Take two or three hands-up answers. Some pupils will say t + 5, some will guess a number. Accept both for now and hold the answer open.

Do not confirm the symbol answer yet — the model step draws it out. Just get the class comfortable that a letter can stand for an unknown amount.

• Double and add 4 — point to double (gives the ×2) and add (gives the +4); the order matters, 2n + 4.
• k less than 10 — less than is the order-flipper. We start from the bigger number, 10, and take the letter away: 10 − k, not k − 10. This is the trickiest idea in the lesson, so linger here.
• p pencils at 30c each — each is the operation word here; it signals repeated buying, so multiply: 30p.
• m euro shared between 4 — shared signals divide: m ÷ 4.

Say an expression has no equals sign and no single answer — it is a rule that changes with the value of the letter.

Talk this one through together — pupils take turns at the board and the class agrees or corrects out loud.

• 3 more than b → b + 3. Watch for pupils writing 3 + b and worrying it is wrong — say with adding, the order does not change the value.
• k less than 10 → 10 − k. This one flips learners: it is 10 − k, NOT k − 10. Ask which number we start from — we met this on the board a moment ago.
• g apples at 50c each → 50g. The word each gives the multiply.
• 8 slices shared among s people → 8 ÷ s. The word shared gives the divide.

Run each on the word-problem interactive: a pupil taps the operation word and the matching sign appears on the board. This is a build-and-say tool, not a marked task — the interactive shows the operation and sign, and then the class writes the full expression on the board and reads it aloud together (b + 3, 10 − k, 50g, 8 ÷ s) so the letters and signs are said out loud. Do not wait for any grade; the expression the class agrees is the answer.

This is the practice round — pupils take turns at the board, check each answer, and the class confirms before moving on. Keep the board work brisk rather than over-explaining.

• n tickets at €12 each → 12n. Each gives multiply.
• d days minus 3 → d − 3. Start from d, take 3 away.
• twice the goals plus 1 → 2g + 1. Two operation words, two signs: twice gives ×2, plus gives +1. The interactive only checks one operation, so build this full expression on the board with the class rather than pressing Check.

Stretch (off screen): once the three board items are done, pose the open task aloud — write your own situation for the expression 5x − 2. This has no single right answer: any sensible story (e.g. five bags of x sweets, take 2 away) is correct. Strong pupils write theirs in their copy and read one out; the interactive does not grade this open task, so keep it as a talk-and-share beat.