Place value - 1,000 more and less - Planning

In the third week of Autumn term, Year 4 students delve into the concept of place value with a focus on understanding 1,000 more and less than a given number. The lesson is structured to begin with a small step starter that recaps previous learning, followed by class teaching input, independent learning, and a concluding plenary. Students are provided with practical resources such as Base 10 blocks and counters, alongside worksheets and a presentation to aid their learning. Key vocabulary terms such as 'more than', 'less than', 'place value', and 'thousands' are highlighted, with vocabulary cards and definitions available to support comprehension. The children will engage in practical activities, using the provided resources to build 4-digit numbers and then determine 1,000 more or less, focusing on the change in the thousands column.

The lesson encourages various methods of representing numbers and changes in value, including using place value counters and base 10 equipment. Students work in pairs to build on their understanding and are prompted to articulate their reasoning with sentence stems. As they progress through the activities, they have the opportunity to choose their preferred method for calculating the difference of 1,000. Key questions guide the students to explore the concept further, and they are encouraged to complete sentences that demonstrate their understanding. To address common misconceptions, the lesson emphasises the importance of recognising the correct place value column that changes. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of proficiency, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth, with activities ranging from simple pictorial representations to complex calculations involving thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.