Addition and Subtraction - Subtract 2 four digit numbers (no exchange) - Planning

This Year 4 lesson plan focuses on teaching children how to subtract two 4-digit numbers without the need for exchanging, or 'borrowing', across place value columns. Key resources such as place value counters and grids, alongside worksheets and a presentation, are used to facilitate learning. The lesson emphasises the importance of understanding and using mathematical vocabulary related to subtraction, such as 'difference', 'thousands', 'hundreds', 'tens', and 'ones'. Students are encouraged to complete a set of 'fluent in four' questions to practice their skills in a timely manner. The lesson begins with a recap of previous learning, ensuring that the children apply their knowledge of place value when reading and representing numbers on their charts.

Diving deeper into the lesson, children explore different methods of subtraction, starting with a practical approach where they represent a number with counters and then remove parts to find the difference. They are then introduced to the formal subtraction method, which they practice alongside the counters. The lesson also challenges students to understand that the answer in a subtraction problem can appear at the beginning or the end, depending on the orientation of the calculation. Differentiated worksheets help to cater to varying levels of understanding, from those working towards expectations to those achieving greater depth. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students assess their learning, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember key concepts from the lesson. Misconceptions are addressed, particularly around place value and the alignment of digits in the correct columns.