Math lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 45 minutes
Turn word descriptions into two-step expressions
Algebra
CCSS 6.EE.A.2.ACCSS 6.EE.B.6England: KS3 Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Turn word descriptions into two-step 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: Write algebraic expressions
Leads to: the next skill in this area.
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 (Write algebraic expressions). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Which expression means "2 less than n"? (2n / 2 − n / n − 2 / n + 2) → n − 2Prompt: Translate the words in order, carefully.
- Write an expression for: 4 times a number n, minus 9. → 4n-9Prompt: '4 times n' is written 4n.
- Sam buys x cinema tickets at 9 each and pays a booking fee of 7. Write an expression for the total cost. → 9x+7Prompt: How much do x tickets cost?
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Turn word descriptions into two-step 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: Write an expression for: the difference of n and 4, multiplied by 9.
- Step 1: 9(n − 4)
- Answer: 9(n-4)
- 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.
- Write an expression for: 4 more than 8 times n. → 8n+4Prompt: Decide which operation happens first.
- A music app costs $8 per month plus a one-off joining fee of $6. Write an expression for the total cost, in the same currency, of m months. → 8m+6Prompt: Which amount is paid every month/hour? That one is multiplied by m.
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.
- Chloe writes 11 − n for “11 less than n”. Which expression is correct? (n + 11 / 11 − n / n − 11 / 11n) → n − 11Prompt: “A less than B” means start with B and take away A.
- A music app costs $8 per month plus a one-off joining fee of $2. Write an expression for the total cost, in the same currency, of m months. → 8m+2Prompt: Which amount is paid every month/hour? That one is multiplied by m.
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: Write algebraic expressions.
- 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
- 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