Addition and Subtraction

Overview

This 55-minute session will engage Year 3 learners in applying addition and subtraction strategies without exchanging, focusing on 4-digit numbers. Integrated into the lesson is a cross-curricular comprehension activity about hurricanes and tornadoes, reinforcing reading and contextual understanding, linked to science/geography.

The lesson follows the National Curriculum for England standards for Mathematics (Number - addition and subtraction) and English (Reading: Comprehension).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Maths:

  • Add and subtract 4-digit numbers where no exchanging (regrouping) is required, demonstrating mental and written methods (National Curriculum Ref: Year 3 Maths - Number - Addition and subtraction: Pupils should add and subtract numbers with up to 4 digits, including using formal written methods where appropriate).
  • Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of 4-digit numbers.

• English:

  • Read and comprehend a short text about hurricanes and tornadoes, identifying key facts and vocabulary (National Curriculum Ref: Year 3 English - Reading comprehension: Develop positive attitudes to reading, building fluency and confidence).
  • Answer inference and retrieval questions based on the text.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Individual mini whiteboards and pens for students
• Worksheets:
  • Addition and subtraction exercises (4-digit numbers, no exchanging)
  • Hurricane and tornado reading passage with comprehension questions and answer sheet
• Visual aids: Images of hurricanes and tornadoes
• Timer or stopwatch
• Optional: PowerPoint slides or printed flashcards with key vocabulary (hurricane, tornado, storm, wind, damage)

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Starter activity: Quick mental warm-up with 3-digit addition and subtraction questions on mini whiteboards (e.g., 326 + 252, 641 - 324).
• Recap the meaning of “no exchanging” (adding/subtracting numbers where digits do not need carrying or borrowing).
• Briefly share learning objectives aloud.

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2. Main Teaching: Addition and Subtraction Without Exchange (15 minutes)

Step 1: Explanation and Modelling

• Write a 4-digit addition problem on the board (e.g., 1324 + 2473) where no exchange is necessary. Model column addition step-by-step. Emphasise careful lining up of digits.
• Repeat for subtraction (e.g., 5423 – 2311), demonstrating subtraction step-by-step without borrowing.

Step 2: Guided Practice

• Distribute worksheets with 5 addition and 5 subtraction problems (all no exchanging).
• Pupils work individually on mini whiteboards first, then transfer answers to worksheet.
• Circulate to offer support, spotting misconceptions.

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3. Cross-curricular Activity: Reading Comprehension – Hurricanes and Tornadoes (20 minutes)

Step 1: Pre-reading Discussion (5 minutes)

• Show images of hurricanes and tornadoes. Ask pupils if they know what they are and what impacts they have.
• Introduce key vocabulary using flashcards or whiteboard.

Step 2: Reading and Questioning (15 minutes)

• Distribute the hurricane and tornado reading passage.
• Pupils read silently first (approx. 5 mins).
• Read the passage aloud, modelling fluency and expression.
• Pupils answer comprehension questions on the worksheet. Questions will cover:
  • Retrieval of facts (e.g., Where do hurricanes happen?)
  • Vocabulary explanation (e.g., What is a tornado?)
  • Simple inference questions (e.g., Why is it dangerous to be outside during a hurricane?).

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4. Plenary and Assessment (10 minutes)

Plenary:

• Ask pupils to verbally share one fact they learned about hurricanes or tornadoes.
• Quick maths quiz: Ask 3 addition and 3 subtraction questions orally on no-exchange 4-digit numbers for rapid-fire answers.

Assessment:

• Review mini-whiteboard answers from addition/subtraction tasks to check procedural understanding.
• Mark reading comprehension answers to assess understanding of the text and vocabulary.
• Use observations to identify pupils who may need further support with addition & subtraction or reading strategies.

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Hurricane and Tornado Comprehension Passage and Questions

Passage:

Hurricanes and tornadoes are powerful weather events. Hurricanes form over warm ocean water and bring strong winds and heavy rain. They can cause flooding and destroy buildings. Tornadoes happen over land and create spinning columns of air that can uproot trees and damage houses. It is important to stay indoors and listen to weather warnings during these storms to keep safe.

Questions:

1. Where do hurricanes usually form?
   Answer: Over warm ocean water.

2. What two things do hurricanes bring?
   Answer: Strong winds and heavy rain.

3. What damage can hurricanes cause?
   Answer: Flooding and destroying buildings.

4. What is a tornado?
   Answer: A spinning column of air.

5. Why is it important to stay indoors during these storms?
   Answer: To keep safe from damage caused by wind and rain.

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Differentiation

• Support: Use 3-digit problems before progressing to 4-digit; provide word banks for reading.
• Challenge: Extend by introducing problems with exchanging or word problems involving both addition and subtraction.

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This integrated lesson combines concrete maths skills with literacy and real-world knowledge, engaging pupils in active learning aligned perfectly with the UK National Curriculum.