Shadow Mapping Numbers

Overview

In this lesson (14 of 30), students create a simple castle corridor light map by tracing shadows and then calculate key discount percentages for the Red Orb Shop. Students also learn Week 6 spelling words and write short shadow poetry using mathematical language.

Learning intentions

• Students will create a “light map” by tracing shadows for a gothic castle layout and explain what they notice.
• Students will calculate 10%, 25%, and 50% of whole-number amounts to support a Red Orb discount.
• Students will use vivid, precise vocabulary (illumination, reflection, transparent, opaque, luminous) in spoken/written responses.
• Students will write a short piece of shadow poetry that includes percentage words.

Success criteria

• I can trace shadows from a torch/light source onto paper and label the results (light direction, object, shadow position).
• I can find 10%, 25%, and 50% of a given amount and show working clearly.
• I can use at least 3 Week 6 spelling words correctly in my poetry or explanations.
• I can include percentage language accurately (for example, “10% off”, “half price”, “a quarter”).

Curriculum links

• Literature: create/edit literary texts by adapting ideas/settings and experiment with literary devices (linked to shadow poetry as a mini creative text) — AC9E6LE05.
• Literacy: use comprehension strategies such as connecting and questioning during discussion and revision (teacher models think-alouds while mapping and calculating) — AC9E6LY05.
• Language: recognise cohesion through repetition/word associations to support poetic lines (repeating “shadow”/“light”) — AC9E6LA04.
• Language: identify and use vivid, emotive vocabulary such as imagery and metaphor in writing — AC9E6LA08.
• Literacy: use interaction skills when paraphrasing, questioning, clarifying during partner checks — AC9E6LY02.
• Maths/Financial literacy support: percentage calculations used in Red Orb discounting (10%, 25%, 50%) and reasoning with quantities.

Lesson structure (60 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Mission kickoff (high dopamine). Teacher shows a quick “Red Orb Shop” slide (or printed visual) of a gothic corridor with torches, then asks: “Where would the brightest light fall?” Students point/gesture to answer and predict shadow direction.

2. 5–12 min · Warm-up spelling burst (dyslexia-friendly). Teacher shows word cards with a simple icon for each word and read-aloud: illumination (light beam icon), reflection (mirror icon), transparent (see-through icon), opaque (solid block icon), luminous (glowing star icon). Students repeat, then choose 2 words to place into a sentence stem:

• “The ______ makes the ______ shine.”
• “My object is ______, so the light ______.”

3. 12–27 min · Shadow mapping investigation (hands-on evidence). Teacher sets up a workstation: torch + small cardboard “castle” corridor pieces (or paper cut-out walls) + tracing paper/grid. Students do two shadow traces:

• Place torch at “Entry” mark → trace shadow onto paper.
• Move torch to “Side” mark → trace again. Teacher prompts: “What changes? What stays the same?” Students label each tracing with 1 key observation and a short note using sentence starters:
• “When the light moves, the shadow ______.”
• “The wall is ______ so light can/can’t pass.”

4. 27–36 min · Share & question (interaction skills). Students pair-check by comparing the two maps. Teacher explicitly models open questions:

• “How do you know the shadow moved?”
• “What would happen if the object were transparent?” Students answer using one line each, repeating key words (“shadow”, “light”, “opaque/transparent”).

5. 36–50 min · Percentage calculations for discounts. Teacher displays a Red Orb menu list with prices (use simple amounts like $40, $80, $20). Students calculate: 10%, 25%, 50% off. Provide a “thinking tool” on paper:

• 50% = half
• 25% = quarter
• 10% = one tenth (divide by 10 or use 10% = (5% + 5%)) Students complete a mini worksheet: for each price, write discount amount + final price. Sentence starters for working:
• “10% of 40 is 4, so the new price is 36.”
• “25% of 80 is 20, so the new price is 60.” Teacher checks quickly after each row.

6. 50–58 min · Shadow poetry with maths (creative + structured). Students write 4–6 lines using a scaffolded template (low reading friction):

• Line 1: “In the gothic corridor, illumination / luminous…”
• Line 2: “My opaque wall throws a shadow…”
• Line 3: “That shadow is ______% (10/25/50) of the price…”
• Line 4: “Reflection makes the light ______…” Word bank includes Week 6 spelling words + percentage words (half price, quarter, 10% off). Teacher read-aloud once before writing.

7. 58–60 min · Exit ticket (quick checkpoint). Students answer one question verbally or on a small card: “Find 10% of $60” or “Half of $30” and say which method they used.

Resources

• Torch/flashlight
• Tracing paper or baking paper + grid paper
• Cardboard/paper castle corridor cut-outs (walls/doors) or pre-made shapes
• Week 6 spelling word cards with icons
• Red Orb price list worksheet (simple whole numbers)
• Percentage calculation strategy sheet (50% half, 25% quarter, 10% tenth)
• Sentence starter strips + word bank for poetry
• Timer for short bursts
• Optional: mirror or reflective card for reflection demo

Assessment

• Observe shadow mapping: correct tracing/labeling of light direction and object type (opaque/transparent).
• Check percentage rows during work: discount amount and final price accuracy; look for correct strategy use.
• Collect exit ticket and poetry for evidence of Week 6 word use and correct percentage language.
• Formative checklist (teacher):
• Traces labelled correctly (Y/N)
• Uses at least 3 spelling words (Y/N)
• Correct 10%, 25%, 50% answers (Y/N)

Differentiation

• Provide sentence starters and a partially completed poetry template; allow oral dictation then teacher/partner scribe if needed.
• Offer visual supports for percentages (quarter/half/10%-bar diagrams) and allow using manipulatives (base-ten blocks or paper circles).
• Neurodivergent support: use short timed bursts (7–15 minutes), allow movement during torch relocation, and schedule a sensory reset after the investigation (2 minutes standing/stretching).
• Choice-based outputs: if writing is difficult, allow a “spoken poetry” recording using the same template words and percentages; still complete the percentage worksheet.
• Reduce reading load: teacher read-aloud for instructions; students follow with pictures/icons and colour-coded labels.

Teacher notes (for a class of 2)

• Assign roles: “Mapper” (torch placement + tracing) and “Explainer” (labels + one sentence observation). Swap roles after the first trace.
• Use immediate reinforcement after each checkpoint: “Your shadow map shows the light direction clearly—great evidence!”
• Keep mathematics to 3 core targets today (10%, 25%, 50%) to avoid cognitive overload; consolidate only what they need for the Red Orb discount story.