New
New
Year 5
Read and write negative numbers
I can read and write negative numbers.
New
New
Year 5
Read and write negative numbers
I can read and write negative numbers.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The negative or minus sign in front of a number shows that it is a negative value.
Keywords
Numeral - A symbol or name that stands for a number
Negative number - A number less than zero.
Common misconception
Pupils do not write negative numbers beginning with the negative symbol e.g. writing 3- and not -3.
Take time to model the writing of a negative number. "I know it is negative so I begin with the negative symbol."
Give pupils frequent quickfire counting opportunities at different points in the day - for example, when lining up. This can be with a resource, such as a counting stick, or without. Count backwards and forwards across zero, initially in ones.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What word or number can be used to describe b on the image?
Q2.
Match the letters with their description.
first floor
ground floor
first basement
Q3.
Match the places with the correct description of their temperatures.
Positive
Neither positive nor negative
Negative
Q4.
Order these floors of a building from lowest to highest.
Q5.
Match the keyword with the definition.
how hot or cold something is
numbers less than zero
numbers greater than zero
shows that there is no amount
Q6.
Which of these can be thought of as a negative value?
The first floor above the ground floor of a hotel.
Sea level.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Match the letter with the value.
2
1
0
−1
Q2.
Label the floor with a number which describes it.
Q3.
Laura uses the lift to go to the third floor below the ground. Use the negative symbol to write the number of the floor.
Q4.
Order these elevations from highest to lowest.
Q5.
Order these elevations from lowest to highest.
Q6.
What is the temperature being shown on this thermometer?
−24℃
−31℃
−32℃