Math lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 60 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 · 6 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 "n subtracted from 4"? (4 − n / 4n / n/4 / n − 4) → 4 − nPrompt: Translate the words in order, carefully.
- Write an expression for: 5 times a number n, minus 1. → 5n-1Prompt: '5 times n' is written 5n.
- Zoe buys x cinema tickets at 13 each and pays a booking fee of 4. Write an expression for the total cost. → 13x+4Prompt: How much do x tickets cost?
Hook · 6 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 · 12 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 · 12 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: n divided by 3, then increased by 9. → n/3+9Prompt: Decide which operation happens first.
- A music app costs $11 per month plus a one-off joining fee of $8. Write an expression for the total cost, in the same currency, of m months. → 11m+8Prompt: Which amount is paid every month/hour? That one is multiplied by m.
You do: independent practice · 17 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 · 7 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Kai writes 14 − n for “14 less than n”. Which expression is correct? (14n / n + 14 / 14 − n / n − 14) → n − 14Prompt: “A less than B” means start with B and take away A.
- Write an expression for: the difference of n and 1, multiplied by 3. → 3(n-1)Prompt: Decide which operation happens first.
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