In this fun-filled, festive scheme of work for Year 3, children will first develop their mental recall of multiplication and division facts, focusing particularly on the three and four times tables. They will progress to using the partitioning method and the repeated subtraction method when dealing with larger numbers. Finally, they will apply their knowledge and understanding to solving a range of problems.

Each lesson includes an easy-to-follow plan, a set of slides for the teaching input, and differentiated worksheets.

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The Three and Four Times Tables

Children apply their knowledge of the three and four times tables and their corresponding division facts to solve simple word problems around the context of Christmas. In their independent activities, children solve jigsaw puzzles by matching word problems to number sentences and answers. Alternatively, they complete missing number sentences or answers to questions on the Berry Christmas! Sheet.

View Lesson 1

The Partitioning Method

In this lesson, children learn how to multiply larger numbers by three and four using the partitioning method. As a class, they will solve word problems where they need to partition, multiply and then recombine to arrive at the answer. Children will practise this method in their independent activities when solving number sentences or word problems based around a Christmas theme.

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The Repeated Subtraction Method

Children learn how to divide larger numbers by three and four using a number line and the repeated subtraction method. They then use this knowledge in order to identify and correct common mistakes when using this method. In their independent activity, children solve division number sentences and then link the answers to letters in order to spell out the punchline to a joke. Alternatively, they solve division word problems involving common multiples of three and four.

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Missing Number Problems

In this lesson, children find out how to use the inverse operation in order to solve missing number problems in both multiplication and division sentences. They will apply this knowledge in their independent activities by matching up number sentences with missing numbers in the It’s a Wrap! game. Alternatively, children are challenged to fill in missing sentences in word problems, in order to result in the answer given.

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Problem-solving Skills

In this final lesson, children will apply their knowledge of the three and four times tables by solving problems using the trial and improvement method. They will be encouraged to explain their reasoning and justify their ideas. Children will use this method in their independent activities to complete a variety of Christmas-themed challenges, from buying different Christmas sweets to piling presents under the tree!

View Lesson 5