Math lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 45 minutes
Write numerical expressions from words
Algebra
CCSS 5.OA.A.2England: Y6 Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Write numerical expressions from words.
- 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: Order of operations
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 (Order of operations). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- 16 + 5 × 4 = ? → 36Prompt: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
- (7 + 2) × 5 − 3 = ? → 42Prompt: Brackets first.
- (35 − 3) ÷ 4 × 3 + 3² = ? → 33Prompt: Brackets, then powers, then × and ÷ from left to right, then + and −.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Write numerical expressions from words. 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 matches: "Subtract 6 from 13, then divide by 4."
- Step 1: (13 − 6) ÷ 4
- Answer: (13 − 6) ÷ 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.
- Which expression matches: "Subtract 7 from 16, then divide by 3." (7 − 16 ÷ 3 / 3 ÷ (16 − 7) / (16 − 7) ÷ 3 / 16 − 7 ÷ 3) → (16 − 7) ÷ 3Prompt: Which operation happens first in the words?
- Without calculating: how does 4 × (35 + 4) compare with 35 + 4? (4 times as large / 4 more / the same / 4 times smaller) → 4 times as largePrompt: The bracket is one amount.
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 matches: "Multiply 8 by 2, then subtract 8." (8 × (2 − 8) / 8 × 2 − 8 / 8 − 8 × 2 / (8 − 8) × 2) → 8 × 2 − 8Prompt: Which operation happens first in the words?
- Ben buys 4 tickets at $3 each and a programme for $1. Write and work out an expression for the total cost (in whole units). → 13Prompt: The tickets cost 4 × 3.
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: Order of operations.
- 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-5.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder