Introduction to Algebra

Give your class an introduction to algebra that equips them with the knowledge and skills to begin to understand and use algebraic equations.

This five-lesson scheme of work is the ideal resource to begin teaching children simple algebra concepts such as how to solve simple equations and how to use algebraic expressions to represent and solve problems. Each of the five lesson plan packs includes a detailed plan with a teaching input and notes to help you deliver the learning. They also come with a slideshow presentation which clearly introduces and explains the learning for each lesson, and includes engaging activities and algebra questions.

Each lesson has a choice of differentiated learning activities plus a range of printable resources such as algebra worksheets with answers, algebra word problems, and Maths challenges such as using algebra to find the area of shapes.

Addition and Subtraction Problems

Take a look at how to read and understand algebra equations, then practise solving basic algebra addition and subtraction problems. This Year 6 lesson plan pack includes detailed teacher's notes to help you explain how to understand and solve simple algebra equations. It also comes with slides which explain, step by step, how to read and understand equations – plus a choice of activities and printable resources including solving equations worksheets.

Expressing Problems Algebraically

Teach children how to express missing number problems algebraically – and how to solve them, too! The included slides show clearly how to deconstruct a variety of number problems and use algebraic expressions and equations to solve them. After you've delivered the main teaching input, there's a choice of differentiated activities where children may apply their newly-learnt algebra skills by reading, understanding and solving problems by forming and solving equations.

Finding Area with Algebra

Teach your class the difference between an equation and a formula, then challenge them to find the area of square and rectangular quadrilaterals using the formula for describing the area of rectangles. During this lesson, children will discover how multiplication is expressed in a formula, then apply what they have learned during either of the included learning activities.

Solving Linear Equations

Teach children about reading, understanding and solving linear equations in this, the fourth of five lessons in 'Algebra': a scheme of work for Year 6. After simple linear equations to find values of 'y', children will go on to plot points on a graph based on the rules of various given equations. They will discuss the shapes of the lines formed by different linear equations, then use their graphs to work out and check the values of different variables. The included slides explain concepts clearly and challenge children to practise their new-found skills by answering a number of linear equations questions. The range of included printable resources includes linear equations worksheets with blank graphs – on which, children can plot lines which various linear equations describe.

The 'Area of a Triangle' Formula

Teach your Year 6 class how to use an algebra formula to find the area of triangles, including right-angled triangles. This, the fifth of five lessons in 'Algebra', the first of three PlanBee units of work covering the National Curriculum objectives for algebra in Year 6. In this final lesson, your class will be introduced to division in algebra. They will find the area of right-angled triangles and be challenged to find the area of a square that has had a triangular shape removed from its corner.