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.

This unit applies fraction, decimal and percentage skills to real money problems: discounts, spending a fraction of an amount, and adding tax (GST), each solved by the same two-step pattern of calculate-then-adjust. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Teach the common two-step pattern: calculate the relevant amount (discount, spent, tax), then add or subtract it from the original.
• Work through a discount problem step by step: discount amount first, then sale price.
• Extend to GST/tax problems, noticing the pattern is the same but adding instead of subtracting.
• Cover 'spend a fraction, find what's left' problems, reinforcing that the fraction spent and the fraction remaining add to 1.
• Use realistic prices and rates (10% GST, common discount percentages) so the context stays believable.

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

• A jacket costs $80. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?
• Discount = 80 x 25/100 = $20
• Sale price = $80 - $20 = $60

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 the discount instead of subtracting it (or vice versa for tax).
• Calculating the percentage of the wrong amount (e.g. the sale price instead of the original price).
• Forgetting a final step, e.g. stopping at the discount amount instead of the actual sale price.
• Mixing up 'the fraction spent' with 'the fraction remaining' in a spending problem.

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.