Prime the vocabulary
Start with three words pupils need today. Keep definitions short and ask for an example before the game starts.
The five-part lesson routine
Play with a purpose
Use one or two activities only. Stop early if the discussion is strong; finishing every screen is not the goal.
Talk before marking
Ask pupils to explain why an answer makes sense. The reason is more valuable than the click.
Record the trade-off
Use the worksheet or exit ticket to capture the decision, assumption and consequence in one sentence.
Connect to real life safely
Use fictional examples. Do not ask pupils to disclose family income, debt, benefits, savings or personal circumstances.
Print-first option
If devices fail, use the PDF pack, worksheet and answer key. The lesson should still work on paper.
Differentiation and assessment
Support
- Reduce the lesson to one scenario and one vocabulary word.
- Offer sentence stems: "I would choose... because..."
- Use coins, cards or printed examples before abstract numbers.
Stretch
- Ask for the hidden trade-off or second-order consequence.
- Let pupils change one assumption and explain what changes.
- Move older learners into the calculator only after they can explain the concept.
Assessment rubric
- Emerging: names the topic but gives little reasoning.
- Secure: explains a sensible choice with one clear reason.
- Strong: compares two options and spots a trade-off.
- Advanced: checks assumptions and explains who the answer may not suit.
Safeguarding boundaries
- Use fictional households and fictional salaries.
- Never ask pupils to reveal family finances.
- Frame debt, benefits and tax without shame or judgement.
Printable workflow
| Need | Best route | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| One complete lesson | Download the teacher PDF | Planning, cover lessons, staff handover or offline teaching. |
| Age-band activities | Open lesson packs | When you want games, worksheets and answer keys in one route. |
| Worksheet only | Open printables | Starter, plenary, homework or low-device lessons. |
| Older learner extension | Open calculators | After the concept is secure and pupils can explain assumptions. |