Class: Primary School 1 (Pry 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Number and Numeration
Previous Lesson: Second Term Mathematics Examination Questions.
Topic: Addition and Subtraction
Subject Matter: Simple word problems leading to addition and simple word problems leading to subtraction

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Interpret simple word problems to determine whether an addition or subtraction operation is required.
Identify keywords that indicate addition or subtraction in word problems.

Affective Domain:

Show interest in solving word problems.
Appreciate the importance of word problems in everyday situations.

Psychomotor Domain:

Formulate number sentences from simple word problems.
Carry out required addition or subtraction operations to solve word problems.

Work cooperatively in groups to solve word problems.
Communicate their problem-solving steps clearly to others.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Primary 1)
State Unified Scheme of Work
Universal Primary Mathematics Book 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Counting sticks
Number charts
Flashcards with simple word problems
Real-life objects (e.g., fruits, pencils)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to apply their knowledge of addition and subtraction to real-life situations presented as word problems. Understanding how to solve word problems helps pupils develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills useful in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of basic addition and subtraction of numbers up to 20.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Addition and Subtraction

Simple Word Problems Leading to Addition

A word problem is a mathematical problem told as a short story. For addition word problems, we combine numbers to find a total.

Keywords for Addition:

Add
Total
Sum
Altogether
In all
Plus

Steps to Solve Addition Word Problems:

Step 1: Read the problem carefully.
Step 2: Look for keywords that tell you to add.
Step 3: Write down the numbers.
Step 4: Form a number sentence.
Step 5: Solve the number sentence.

Worked Examples:

Example 1: John has 3 apples. Mary gives him 2 more apples. How many apples does John have altogether?

Step 1: Read the problem.
Step 2: Keyword is “altogether” (meaning add).
Step 3: Numbers are 3 and 2.
Step 4: Number sentence: 3 + 2 = ?
Step 5: Solve: 3 + 2 = 5.

John has 5 apples altogether.

Example 2: A bus has 5 boys and 4 girls. How many children are in the bus in all?

Step 1: Read the problem.
Step 2: Keyword is “in all” (meaning add).
Step 3: Numbers are 5 and 4.
Step 4: Number sentence: 5 + 4 = ?
Step 5: Solve: 5 + 4 = 9.

There are 9 children in the bus in all.

Simple Word Problems Leading to Subtraction

For subtraction word problems, we take away a number from another number to find what is left or the difference.

Keywords for Subtraction:

Subtract
Take away
Left
Remain
Difference
Minus

Steps to Solve Subtraction Word Problems:

Step 1: Read the problem carefully.
Step 2: Look for keywords that tell you to subtract.
Step 3: Write down the numbers.
Step 4: Form a number sentence.
Step 5: Solve the number sentence.

Worked Examples:

Example 1: There are 7 birds on a tree. 3 birds flew away. How many birds are left on the tree?

Step 1: Read the problem.
Step 2: Keyword is “left” (meaning subtract).
Step 3: Numbers are 7 and 3.
Step 4: Number sentence: 7 – 3 = ?
Step 5: Solve: 7 – 3 = 4.

There are 4 birds left on the tree.

Example 2: A plate has 10 oranges. If I eat 4 oranges, how many oranges remain?

Step 1: Read the problem.
Step 2: Keyword is “remain” (meaning subtract).
Step 3: Numbers are 10 and 4.
Step 4: Number sentence: 10 – 4 = ?
Step 5: Solve: 10 – 4 = 6.

6 oranges remain on the plate.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and tells a simple story involving adding or taking away items, then asks pupils how they would solve it. For example: “I have 5 pencils, and my friend gave me 2 more. How many pencils do I have now?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the story and attempt to answer the question orally.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to real-life problem-solving situations.

Step 2: Explanation of Addition Word Problems

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what addition word problems are and introduces keywords like “altogether,” “total,” and “sum.” The teacher then demonstrates how to solve a simple addition word problem using counting sticks and writing the number sentence on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, identify keywords, and observe the teacher’s demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to identify and approach addition word problems.

Step 3: Guided Practice – Addition Word Problems

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives another addition word problem and guides pupils step-by-step to interpret it, identify keywords, form the number sentence, and solve it together. The teacher uses questions to prompt pupils’ thinking.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate, answering questions, and solving the problem with the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils practice solving addition word problems collaboratively.

Step 4: Explanation of Subtraction Word Problems

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what subtraction word problems are and introduces keywords like “left,” “remain,” and “take away.” The teacher then demonstrates how to solve a simple subtraction word problem using real-life objects and writing the number sentence on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, identify keywords, and observe the teacher’s demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to identify and approach subtraction word problems.

Step 5: Guided Practice – Subtraction Word Problems

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides another subtraction word problem and guides pupils through the steps to interpret, find keywords, form the number sentence, and solve it. The teacher encourages pupils to use their counting materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by identifying keywords and performing the subtraction using their materials.
Learning Point: Pupils practice solving subtraction word problems with assistance.

Step 6: Independent Practice/Group Work

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaboration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives each group flashcards with different simple addition and subtraction word problems to solve. The teacher moves around to offer support.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to solve the given word problems and write down their answers.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding independently and collaboratively.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a word problem?
Mention two keywords for addition word problems.
Mention two keywords for subtraction word problems.
Solve: John has 4 oranges. He buys 3 more. How many oranges does John have altogether?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reminding pupils that word problems help them use math in real life and encourages them to look for keywords. The teacher assigns homework: “Solve the following: 1. Mary has 6 sweets, she gave 2 to her friend. How many sweets are left? 2. A box has 5 red balls and 4 blue balls. How many balls are in the box in all?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy their homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further practice.

Home Task: Solve two new exercises on Addition and Subtraction. Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

Addition – Putting numbers together to find a total.
Subtraction – Taking one number away from another to find what is left or the difference.
Word Problem – A math problem presented in a story format.
Keywords – Words that help us know whether to add or subtract.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more challenging word problems with slightly larger numbers. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide one-on-one guidance, use more physical manipulatives, and break down problems into smaller, simpler steps.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that pupils fully understand the concept of keywords as they are fundamental to interpreting word problems correctly at this level. Encourage pupils to read the problems aloud and visualize the scenarios. Use varied examples from their everyday experiences to make the lesson relatable and engaging.