Overview

This 30-minute lesson supports Year 5 pupils to develop their skills in solving addition and subtraction problems, aligned with the National Curriculum for England: Mathematics - Number - Addition and Subtraction. Pupils will demonstrate their prior knowledge in a cold task and refine methods using varied problem-solving strategies.

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Curriculum Reference

National Curriculum (England) - Year 5 Mathematics

• Number - Addition and Subtraction:
  • Pupils use formal written methods of addition and subtraction where appropriate.
  • Solve addition and subtraction multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why.
  • Use rounding to check answers to calculations and determine, in the context of a problem, levels of accuracy.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Solve addition and subtraction problems using a variety of methods confidently and check our answers.

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Success Criteria

• I can use mental and written methods to solve addition and subtraction problems.
• I can explain and show how I solved a problem.
• I can check my answers using rounding or inverse operations.
• I can select appropriate methods to solve different types of problems.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Place value counters or base-10 blocks (for concrete representation)
• Visual number lines displayed (dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours)
• Individual whiteboards and pens for each pupil
• Worksheets with addition and subtraction word problems (dyslexia-friendly font)
• Timer

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Briefly explain the WALT and success criteria.
• Quickly review key vocabulary: sum, difference, inverse, estimate, vertical method, efficient.
• Display dyslexia-friendly number lines and ask pupils to share one way they solve addition or subtraction problems.

2. Cold Task: What I Know (7 minutes)

• Give each pupil a worksheet with 5 mixed addition and subtraction questions (including some with larger numbers, e.g., 4-digit numbers).
• Pupils write answers individually on whiteboards or paper to show their current methods and understanding.
• Teacher circulates, observes, and makes brief notes on strategies used.

3. Guided Discussion and Teaching (8 minutes)

• Share some common strategies used by pupils, highlighting both mental and written methods.
• Model a formal column method for addition and subtraction using an example from the cold task.
• Introduce estimation by rounding to the nearest 10 or 100 to check answers efficiently. Use visual aids.
• Emphasise how inverse operations can help check solutions (e.g., if 342 + 178 = 520, subtract 178 from 520 to check).

4. Collaborative Problem Solving (6 minutes)

• Pair pupils up or work as a small group (max 3) to solve 2 multi-step problems requiring addition and subtraction.
• Provide manipulatives (place value counters) and number lines for support.
• Encourage discussing the best method to solve each problem and verifying answers using estimation or inverse operations.

5. Plenary and Review (4 minutes)

• Invite pupils to share their strategies and methods from the collaborative task.
• Review the success criteria as a class.
• Reflect on how checking answers makes us more confident in our solutions.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for pupils with difficulties:

  • Use concrete materials (counters, base-10) and visual aids throughout.
  • Provide step-by-step prompt cards for the column method.
  • Use dyslexia-friendly colour overlays and fonts on all worksheets.
  • Allow extra processing time and oral reasoning explanations.

• Extension for advanced learners:

  • Challenge with reasoning and problem-solving questions that require deciding the order of operations for multiple additions and subtractions.
  • Introduce decimals or negative numbers in word problems for added complexity.
  • Encourage explaining their problem-solving methods in written or verbal form with mathematical vocabulary.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Use observations from the cold task and group activities to assess understanding and method use.
• Quick verbal Q&A during plenary to gauge confidence in checking answers.
• Provide personalised feedback during activities, encouraging precise explanation and justification of methods.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Adjustments

• Worksheets and visual displays use sans-serif fonts (e.g. Comic Sans or Arial) in size 14+ with line spacing.
• Use pastel background colours on worksheets to reduce visual stress (e.g. soft cream or light blue).
• Number lines and key vocabulary cards use bright colours with high contrast, avoiding red-green combinations.
• Instructions broken down into short, clear sentences using bullet points and icons.

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Summary

This lesson ensures that Year 5 pupils demonstrate and improve their addition and subtraction problem-solving skills in line with the national curriculum, embedding practical checks for accuracy and fostering flexible thinking with visual, concrete, and abstract strategies.