Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division - Add and Subtract Integers - Planning

In the Year 6 curriculum focusing on the four operations, the first week of Autumn term introduces students to adding and subtracting integers. The lesson utilises worksheets and a presentation as resources and encourages the use of key vocabulary such as addition, subtraction, exchange, column addition, column subtraction, place value column, and digit. Students are invited to visit the website for vocabulary cards and definitions to support their learning. The lesson begins with a starter activity where children complete 'fluent in four' questions, followed by a recap of previous learning. They then engage in a series of activities that include solving word problems related to house prices, deciding whether to add or subtract, and using column subtraction to find the answer. Students are prompted to discuss the efficiency of different methods and explore mental subtraction strategies.

Further into the lesson, students work in pairs to tackle problems that require them to find missing digits within calculations, using the inverse operation and considering when exchanging is necessary. Group work involves reasoning exercises where students use clues to solve problems systematically, such as identifying multiples of five with different ending digits. The lesson aims to address common misconceptions such as digit placement in place value columns and the correct labelling and accounting for exchanges in calculations. A plenary activity encourages students to reflect on what they've learned, the skills they've used, and to make a 'pinkie promise' to remember key elements from the lesson. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of ability, from working towards expected standards to achieving greater depth, with tasks ranging from solving one-step word problems without exchanges to tackling multistep word problems and finding more missing digits in column addition and subtraction.