Lesson Plan: Algebraic Expressions

Lesson Plan: Algebraic Expressions

Class/Grade: VI (Age group: 11–12 years) Subject: Mathematics (गणित) Topic: Algebraic Expressions (बीजीय व्यंजक) Method: Bilingual (Hindi-English Parallel Approach) – Hindi for scaffolding, explanations, and building confidence; English as primary for mathematical terms and output. Duration: 50–60 minutes (can be extended over 2 periods) Board Alignment: CBSE/NCERT Class 6 Mathematics Chapter 11 (Algebra) – Introduction to Algebraic Expressions

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Understand what variables, constants, and terms are (चर, अचर, और पद समझना).
  2. Form simple algebraic expressions from word statements.
  3. Identify coefficients and like/unlike terms.
  4. Use bilingual support to explain concepts in Hindi and express in English.
  5. Write and read algebraic expressions confidently.

Key Vocabulary (with Hindi meanings for scaffolding)

  1. Algebra (बीजगणित)
  2. Expression (व्यंजक)
  3. Variable (चर) – A letter representing a number
  4. Constant (अचर) – A fixed number
  5. Term (पद) – Parts of expression
  6. Coefficient (गुणांक) – Number before variable
  7. Like terms (समान पद) – Same variables
  8. Unlike terms (असमान पद) – Different variables
  9. Add (जोड़ना)
  10. Subtract (घटाना)
  11. Multiply (गुणा करना)
  12. Number (संख्या)
  13. Letter (अक्षर)
  14. Example (उदाहरण)
  15. Form (बनाना)

Materials Required

  • Whiteboard with parallel columns: English Term | Hindi Meaning | Example
  • Flashcards: Variables (x, y), constants (5, 10), expressions (2x + 3)
  • Worksheets: Word-to-expression matching, fill blanks (bilingual)
  • Real objects: Apples, books (for word problems)
  • Chart: "How to form expressions" in both languages

Procedure

1. Warm-up (5–8 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge bilingually.

  • Greet: "Good morning! नमस्कार! आज हम algebra के बारे में सीखेंगे।"
  • Quick question in Hindi: "अगर मैं कहूँ कि एक सेब की कीमत a रुपये है, तो 5 सेब कितने के? (If one apple costs a rupees, how much for 5?)" Students respond in Hindi/English: "5a"
  • Teacher models: "Yes! In English, we say '5 times a' or write 5a. This is algebraic expression."
  • Pair share: "Tell your partner one number sentence in Hindi, then in English." (e.g., "3 और 4 = 7" → "3 + 4")
2. Introduction to Algebraic Expressions (10–12 minutes)

Objective: Define key terms with parallels.

  • Explain bilingually: "Algebra में हम letters का इस्तेमाल numbers की जगह करते हैं। In algebra, we use letters instead of numbers. Letter को variable कहते हैं (चर), क्योंकि यह change हो सकता है।"

  • Board table:

     

    English

    Hindi

    Example (उदाहरण)

    Variable

    चर

    x, y (unknown number)

    Constant

    अचर

    5, 10 (fixed)

    Term

    पद

    3x, 7

    Expression

    व्यंजक

    2x + 5, 3y – 4

    Coefficient

    गुणांक

    In 4x, 4 is coefficient

  • Choral practice: Teacher says English → Hindi → Class repeats → Sentence: "x is a variable. x एक चर है।"
3. Main Activity 1: Forming Expressions from Words (15 minutes)

Objective: Translate statements to expressions.

  • Explain: "Word problems को हम expressions में बदलते हैं।" Examples on board (parallel):
    • Hindi: "एक संख्या x है। उसमें 5 जोड़ो।" → English: "A number x. Add 5." → Expression: x + 5
    • "Raju के पास y आम हैं। वह 3 और खरीदता है।" → "Raju has y mangoes. He buys 3 more." → y + 3
  • Group activity: Groups of 4 get word cards (bilingual statements like "Subtract 2 from a number z" / "एक संख्या z से 2 घटाओ").
    • Discuss in Hindi first.
    • Write English expression.
    • Present: One student says Hindi, another English expression.
4. Main Activity 2: Like/Unlike Terms and Coefficients (12–15 minutes)

Objective: Identify and classify.

  • Explain: "Like terms में same variables होते हैं।" Example: 3x and 5x are like terms (समान पद), 2x and 3y are unlike (असमान).
  • Hands-on: Flashcards with terms (4x, 7, 2x, y). Students sort into "Like" and "Unlike" piles, explaining in mixed languages.
  • Coefficient: "In 6m, 6 is coefficient (गुणांक)."
  • Worksheet practice: Circle coefficients, group like terms (bilingual prompts).
5. Speaking Practice (5 minutes)

Objective: Oral use in English with Hindi support.

  • Chain game: Teacher starts: "If one book costs b rupees..." → Next student: "...3 books cost 3b."
  • Pairs: One says Hindi statement, partner forms English expression.
6. Conclusion and Wrap-up (5 minutes)
  • Recap bilingually: "What is a variable? चर क्या है?" / "How do we form expressions?"
  • Quick quiz: "Write expression for 'twice a number p minus 4'." (2p – 4)
  • Praise: "बहुत अच्छा! You used both languages well."

Assessment

  • Formative: Observation of group work, oral expressions.
  • Worksheet: Form 5 expressions from words; identify like terms (score for correct English form).
  • Self-assessment: "I can write algebraic expressions" (हाँ / थोड़ा / अभ्यास चाहिए).

Differentiation

  • Advanced: Form complex expressions (e.g., with two variables).
  • Struggling: More Hindi prompts, simpler statements, teacher modelling.
  • Visual: Extra charts/diagrams.

Homework

  • Write 10 bilingual word problems and their expressions (5 in notebook).
  • Explain one expression to family in Hindi, then English.

This bilingual lesson bridges Hindi thinking to English mathematical language, reducing fear of algebra while building accuracy!