Year 6 Maths Lesson Plan: BIDMAS and Order of Operations
Free Year 6 maths lesson plan on BIDMAS and applying the four operations in the correct order. SATs-style reasoning and multi-step word problems.
Learning objective
I can use the BIDMAS rule to evaluate calculations involving multiple operations correctly.
Key vocabulary
- BIDMAS
- order of operations
- brackets
- indices
- expression
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 6 Mathematics — Four operations
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Show 3 + 4 × 2 on the board. Pupils calculate on whiteboards. Reveal a split: some say 14, some say 11. Discuss why the answer depends on order. Introduce BIDMAS as the rule.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Walk through BIDMAS step by step: Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. Pupils evaluate eight expressions of increasing complexity, working step by step. Move to inserting brackets to change an answer: '3 + 4 × 2 = 14, but 3 + (4 × 2) = 11. Add brackets to make (3 + 4) × 2 = 14.' Final task: a word problem — 'A box has 12 chocolates. There are 5 boxes plus 3 loose chocolates. How many chocolates in total? Express as a single calculation.' (5 × 12 + 3 = 63).
Differentiation
Support
Limit to expressions with two operations initially. Use coloured pens to label each operation.
Core
Apply BIDMAS to multi-operation expressions including brackets, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.
Stretch
Apply to expressions involving indices and decimals, and create their own BIDMAS puzzles for partners.
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Show three expressions where pupils must insert brackets to make the calculation true (e.g. ___2 + 3 × 4___ = 20 → (2 + 3) × 4 = 20). Pupils work in pairs.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often work strictly left-to-right rather than applying the BIDMAS hierarchy. Reinforce that × and ÷ rank above + and − regardless of left-to-right order.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 6 maths lesson?
I can use the BIDMAS rule to evaluate calculations involving multiple operations correctly.
How long does this four operations (bidmas and order of operations) lesson take?
60 minutes, structured into a starter, main activity, and plenary. Differentiation guidance is included for support, core, and stretch learners.
Is this lesson plan free to download?
Yes. The full plan is free to read and adapt. You can also generate an editable, fully resourced version in TAyumira's free lesson planner — no credit card required.
Does this lesson cover the UK National Curriculum?
Yes. This plan aligns with National Curriculum 2014: Year 6 Mathematics — Four operations.
Can I edit this lesson plan for my class?
Yes. Use this as a template and adapt to your class context. To save typing time, generate a customised version in TAyumira's free planner — your class size, ability range, and lesson length are factored in automatically.