Introduction to the Ratio Symbol — Interactive Lesson & Worksheet (Year 6)

What does the colon mean in 3 : 5? This 21-slide interactive lesson introduces the ratio symbol, with a printable worksheet for extra practice.

Mastering the Ratio Symbol in Year 6 Maths

Pupils learn that the colon (:) is the symbol used to write a ratio, and that ratio shows the relationship between two values. They write ratios in the correct order and understand that order matters, using counters such as yellow to blue, green to red and red to blue. The printable worksheet includes a double number line question, such as finding the number of blue counters when there are 8 red counters in the ratio 4 : 5.

What’s Included

• 21-slide interactive lesson on the ratio symbol
• Learning objectives on writing ratios with a colon and in the correct order
• A worked example and counter-based fill-in-the-blank questions
• Six quiz questions and a labelling activity with instant feedback
• A printable worksheet with a teacher answer sheet

Key Benefits for Students

• Builds confidence writing ratios correctly
• Highlights why the order of a ratio matters
• Uses counters and number lines to make ratio visual
• Instant feedback on answer questions

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — ready for whole-class teaching on an interactive whiteboard
• The worksheet includes reasoning and problem-solving questions
• Self-marking questions support independent practice
• Suits teaching, revision and homework
• A clear next step after ratio language

Love this? You’ll love…

• Using Ratio Language — Interactive Lesson (Year 6)
• Simplifying Fractions — Interactive Lesson (Ages 10–11)
• Using Scale Factors — Interactive Lesson (Year 6)

A dependable addition to a Year 6 ratio topic, giving pupils a clear introduction to ratio notation. Confident use of the colon prepares them for scaling, sharing in a ratio and proportion.

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FAQ

What year group is this for? Year 6 (ages 10–11), KS2.

Is a worksheet included? Yes — a printable worksheet with teacher answer pages.

Is it self-marking? Yes, with instant feedback on the questions.