Solving calculations efficiently
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how to solve calculations efficiently.
Key learning points
- Fluent calculation requires flexibility to move between mental and written methods and supports us to be efficient.
- Looking at the numbers within a calculation supports us to know whether to use a mental strategy or written method.
- Mental strategies work best when known facts are used.
- Written methods work best when the numbers given are precise or when exchanging is involved.
Keywords
Efficient - Being efficient means finding a way to solve a problem quickly whilst also maintaining accuracy.
Precise - Being precise is being exact. In this case, it is when numbers are given as exact values and are not rounded.
Common misconception
Children may automatically use a formal written algorithm. Children may not see the difference between, 'How much more?' and 'How many times more?'
What do you notice about the numbers? Is there a more efficient way? Can you represent this in a bar model or form an equation. What do you notice about the language?
Teacher tip
This lesson needs children to really notice the numbers in a calculation. Use the question, 'What do you notice?' to get the children to think deeply and reason about the calculations.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Look at this table. What is the average mass of a blue whale?
Q2.Using this equation, what else can you determine? 300 + 450 = 750
Q3.Complete the missing value: 145,000 = 100,000 + + 5,000
Q4.Match the factors to their product.
120
10,200
1,030
130
1,300
Q5.Lucas wins 5,000 points in a game. Aisha wins 2,500 points in the same game. How many more points does Lucas win? points
Q6.Aisha wins 24,506 points in a game and Lucas wins 913 points. How many points do they win in total? points
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Written methods are often most efficient to use to solve problems when the numbers __________.
Q2.Mental strategies methods are often most efficient to use to solve problems when the numbers __________.
Q3.Look at the table. How much taller is Mount Everest than K2? m
Q4.Look at the table. What is the combined height of Scafell Pike, Table and Ben Nevis? m
Q5.Look at the table showing distances to some cities from London. How much further is it to New York than Paris? m
Q6.Look at the table showing distances to some cities from London. Lucas’ dad flies to New Delhi and his mum flies to Oslo. What is the combined distance that they flew? m
To help you plan your 6 maths lesson on: Solving calculations efficiently, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 maths lesson on: Solving calculations efficiently, 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 Rounding and solving problems with numbers up to 7 digits unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.