Teach simplifying expressions containing a single variable with a complete Year 7 Core maths lesson designed for confident whole-class delivery.

This editable, print-free PowerPoint follows a clear I Do–We Do–You Do progression. It develops the central idea that only like terms can be combined, with careful attention to coefficients, constants, negative terms and preserving signs.

The lesson includes:
• six-question retrieval starter with answers;
• precise, pupil-friendly vocabulary and representations;
• three structurally matched I Do–We Do examples;
• blank modelling canvases followed by completed working;
• exactly 12 progressive mini-whiteboard questions, each followed immediately by its answer;
• 24 minimally different questions arranged in deliberate column order;
• Developing, Secure and Greater Depth practice on one classroom display slide;
• one shared answer slide for all three routine tiers;
• a substantial Super Challenge with a systematic full solution;
• misconception diagnosis and correction;
• perimeter problem solving and constrained algebraic reasoning;
• exam-style questions with mark guidance;
• exit questions and complete answers.

Greater Depth asks pupils to reverse-engineer coefficients, compare equivalent forms, analyse errors and justify equivalence. The Super Challenge requires systematic enumeration and proof of completeness, keeping the difficulty rooted in the lesson mathematics rather than artificial puzzles.

All essential pupil-facing text is at least 24 pt, question numbering uses brackets consistently, and the resource has been checked for mathematical accuracy, answer alignment, legibility and classroom flow.

Curriculum alignment: Year 7 algebra; simplifying expressions; collecting like terms; Sparx M795.

Resource type: editable PowerPoint lesson with answers.
No printing or additional worksheets required.