Read and write negative numbers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can read and write negative numbers.
Key learning points
- The negative or minus sign in front of a number shows that it is a negative value.
Keywords
Numeral - A symbol or name that stands for a number
Negative number - A number less than zero.
Common misconception
Pupils do not write negative numbers beginning with the negative symbol e.g. writing 3- and not -3.
Take time to model the writing of a negative number. "I know it is negative so I begin with the negative symbol."
Teacher tip
Give pupils frequent quickfire counting opportunities at different points in the day - for example, when lining up. This can be with a resource, such as a counting stick, or without. Count backwards and forwards across zero, initially in ones.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word or number can be used to describe b on the image?
Q2.Match the letters with their description.
first floor
ground floor
first basement
Q3.Match the places with the correct description of their temperatures.
Positive
Neither positive nor negative
Negative
Q4.Order these floors of a building from lowest to highest.
Q5.Match the keyword with the definition.
how hot or cold something is
numbers less than zero
numbers greater than zero
shows that there is no amount
Q6.Which of these can be thought of as a negative value?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the letter with the value.
2
1
0
−1
Q2.Label the floor with a number which describes it.
Q3.Laura uses the lift to go to the third floor below the ground. Use the negative symbol to write the number of the floor.
Q4.Order these elevations from highest to lowest.
Q5.Order these elevations from lowest to highest.
Q6.What is the temperature being shown on this thermometer?
To help you plan your 5 maths lesson on: Read and write negative numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 maths lesson on: Read and write negative numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Negative numbers unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.