Math lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 45 minutes
Write algebraic expressions
Algebra
CCSS 6.EE.A.2.ACCSS 6.EE.A.2.BCCSS 6.EE.B.6England: Y6 AlgebraEngland: KS3 Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Write algebraic expressions.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: Function machines and input–output tables; Order of operations
Leads to: Evaluate expressions; Simplify expressions: like terms; Inequalities: meaning and solutions
Materials: Balance scales or a balance drawing, Algebra tiles, Function machine cards, Mini whiteboards and pens, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Function machines and input–output tables; Order of operations). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- A function machine does: × 9, then + 14. What comes out when 7 goes in? → 77Prompt: Do the steps in order.
- 5 + 2 × 8 = ? → 21Prompt: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
- A function machine does: × 8, then + 15. The output is 87. What was the input? → 9Prompt: Work backwards using the inverse operations.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Write algebraic expressions. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: Which expression means "n subtracted from 2"?
- Step 1: 2 − n
- Answer: 2 − n
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- Which expression means "n divided by 10"? (n/10 / 10n / 10 − n / n − 10) → n/10Prompt: Translate the words in order, carefully.
- Write an expression for: 5 times a number n, minus 12. → 5n-12Prompt: '5 times n' is written 5n.
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
- Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.
The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Which expression means "n subtracted from 8"? (n/8 / n − 8 / 8n / 8 − n) → 8 − nPrompt: Translate the words in order, carefully.
- Chloe buys x cinema tickets at 14 each and pays a booking fee of 3. Write an expression for the total cost. → 14x+3Prompt: How much do x tickets cost?
Watch out for
- Doing an operation to one side of an equation but not the other.
- Reading 3x as 3 + x, or thinking x always stands for one particular number.
Support and stretch
Support
- Review first: Function machines and input–output tables.
- Use concrete materials: balance scales or a balance drawing.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Move on to: Evaluate expressions; Simplify expressions: like terms; Inequalities: meaning and solutions.
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/math/grade-6.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder