Grade 7: Number

Warm up with a few quick number warm-ups on the board while the class settles, so every child starts thinking about the skill.

Fractions, decimals and percentages are different ways of writing the same kind of number. This unit builds fluency combining them with addition, multiplication and percentage-of calculations, converting between forms as needed. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Establish fraction-to-decimal conversion (divide) as the go-to tool for combining fractions with decimals.
• Teach percentage-of as 'convert to a decimal or fraction, then multiply', rather than a separate rule to memorise.
• Practise mixed problems that combine two different forms (a fraction plus a decimal, a fraction times a decimal) so conversion becomes automatic.
• Check every answer's reasonableness with a quick estimate (e.g. 25% of 60 should be noticeably less than 60).
• Build up from single-step to two-step problems only once each individual conversion is secure.

Work this through step by step on the board, then have the class talk you through a second one.

• Calculate 1/4 + 0.35 (write as a decimal)
• 1/4 = 0.25
• 0.25 + 0.35 = 0.6

Do the first few questions of the practice worksheet together, one child explaining each step. Check for understanding before releasing the class to work alone.

Students complete the practice worksheet independently while you circulate and support.

Circulate and look for these, they are the usual sticking points:

• Adding a fraction and a decimal directly without converting either into the same form first.
• Multiplying by the percentage number itself (e.g. x25) instead of its decimal or fraction equivalent (x0.25).
• Forgetting to simplify or round appropriately after combining fractions and decimals.
• Losing track of which conversion was already done when a problem has multiple steps.

Pull the class back together. Ask one child to explain number in their own words, pose a single check question everyone answers on a mini whiteboard, and name what you will build on next lesson.

Use the independent worksheet as the evidence. A child who can complete it accurately and explain one answer has met the objective; anyone who cannot needs the easier level and a short reteach next session.