Whole Numbers Intro

Lesson Overview

Grade: 6th
Class Size: 11 students
Duration: 30 minutes
Unit: Mastering Numbers & Ratios
Lesson Number: 1 of 30
Title: Introduction to Whole Numbers
Description:
Students will review and practice whole number operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) through explicit instruction, guided practice, and formative assessment.

---

Common Core State Standards Addressed

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.2: Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.3: Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6: Attend to precision in mathematical procedures and communication.

---

Learning Objectives – “I Can” Statements

• I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers fluently.
• I can explain the steps I use to solve whole number problems.
• I can check my work to ensure accuracy.

---

Success Criteria

• Correctly solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems with whole numbers.
• Verbally describe or write the process used to solve a problem.
• Use estimation or inverse operations to check answers.

---

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Individual student dry-erase boards and markers
• Printed worksheets with whole number operations problems of varying difficulty
• Counting manipulatives (like base-ten blocks or counters)
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts and large print handouts
• Timer or clock

---

Lesson Procedures

1. Warm-up (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking students to recall what whole numbers are (all positive integers including zero).
• Quick oral quiz: call out a few numbers, and students say if they’re whole numbers or not.
• Use a dyslexia-friendly font poster visible for reference.

2. Explicit Instruction (10 minutes)

• Write an example on the whiteboard for each operation with whole numbers (e.g., 235 + 687, 900 - 457, 123 × 12, 144 ÷ 12).
• Model the step-by-step solution process for each operation.
• Explain common pitfalls, such as carrying over digits or borrowing in subtraction.
• Emphasize precision and re-checking answers using inverse operations or estimation.
• Use manipulatives to demonstrate concepts visually for struggling learners.

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Provide each student with a dry-erase board and a set of 4 problems (1 per operation).
• Students solve problems while teacher circulates, providing immediate feedback.
• Encourage students to talk through their thinking process aloud or with a partner.
• Use peer support for students who need extra help.
• For students who finish early or grasp the concepts quickly, provide extension problems using larger or multi-step operations.

4. Wrap-up and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Review solutions aloud and clarify any mistakes.
• Ask students to explain one step they found tricky and how they worked through it.
• Quick exit ticket: solve one addition and one division problem to assess individual understanding.

---

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Profile	Strategies
Students with Dyslexia	Provide printed materials in dyslexia-friendly fonts, use multisensory methods (visual + tactile), allow verbal responses.
Struggling Students	Use base-ten blocks or counters for hands-on practice, provide additional step-by-step scaffolding and guided support.
English Language Learners	Use clear, simple language with visuals; pair with a buddy for peer learning; allow extra think time.
Advanced Learners	Offer complex multi-step word problems involving whole number operations, encourage them to explain or teach peers.

---

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Challenge learners with multi-step word problems involving multiple operations.
• Introduce the concept of order of operations (without parentheses) with whole numbers.
• Have students create their own word problems and exchange with classmates to solve.

---

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

• Use large, clear font (e.g., Open Dyslexic or Arial) on handouts and classroom visuals.
• Provide printed examples and instructions with ample spacing.
• Break instructions into numbered or bulleted steps.
• Use color to highlight keywords or operation symbols.

---

Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson)

• Assess whether all students could accurately perform the four operations.
• Note which students needed the most support and identify patterns.
• Reflect on student engagement and the effectiveness of multisensory examples.
• Plan any necessary reteaching or extension based on exit ticket results.

---

This lesson plan targets fluency in whole number operations with age-appropriate and evidence-based strategies, aligning with CCSS guidelines while addressing the needs of diverse learners.