Maths and Numeracy
Year 4 Place Value:A guide for parents
In Year 4, children continue to build on their understanding of place value, which is an
essential foundation for all areas of mathematics. Place value refers to the value of a digit based on its position within a number. This concept helps children understand how numbers work and prepares them for more complex arithmetic.
Key Learning Objectives
1. Understand the value of digit in numbers up to at least 10,000.
- Pupils will learn that in a four-digit number, each digit represents a different place (thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones). For example, in the number 3,482, the '3' is worth 3,000 because it is in the thousands place.
2. Read, write, and order numbers up to at least 10,000.
- Pupils will be able to read and write numbers correctly and will practice putting numbers in order, recognising the relative size of each number based on its digits.
3. Round numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1,000.
- Pupils will be taught to round numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1,000. For example, 4,387 rounded to the nearest 10 is 4,390, and to the nearest 100 is4,400.
4. Partition numbers to understand how they are made up.
- Pupils will break numbers apart (partitioning) to see how each digit contributes to the overall value. For example, 4,387 can be partitioned into 4,000 + 300 + 80 + 7.
5. Use place value knowledge to solve problems.
- Pupils will apply their understanding of place value to solve real-world problems, such as estimating costs, understanding distances, or making between large numbers.
How You Can Support at Home
Talk about numbers in everyday life: When shopping, ask your child to read prices and estimate totals, or discuss how far distances are.
- Play number games: Simple games involving ordering or rounding numbers can reinforce what they learn in class.
- Use real-life examples: Highlight examples of larger numbers in everyday contexts like reading car mileages, looking at population figures, or handling money.
By the term of Year 4, pupils have a solid understanding of place value, enabling them to move forward in their mathematical learning with confidence.
Year 4 Addition and Subtraction: A Guide for Parents
In Year 4, children continue to build their understanding of addition and subtraction, which are key skills in numeracy. By focusing on both mental and written strategies, pupils will learn to solve increasingly complex problems involving larger numbers. This foundation is critical for developing mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills, as outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) in Wales.
Key Learning Objectives
this unit, Year 4 pupils will:
- Add and subtract numbers with up to 4 digits using formal written methods.
- Pupils will learn to use column addition and subtraction to solve problems involving numbers up to 10,000. For example, they might solve 4,678 – 2,345 using the column method, regrouping (borrowing) where necessary.
- Use mental strategies for addition and subtraction.
- Pupils will practise adding and subtracting numbers mentally, particularly focusing on multiples of 10, 100, and 1,000. For example, they will learn to quickly subtract 500 from 3,200 without needing to write it down.
- Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction.
- They will apply their knowledge to real-life problems, such as finding the difference between two prices or calculating how much more is needed to reach a goal. Pupils will learn to identify whether to add or subtract in a given situation.
- Check using inverse operations.
- Pupils will be taught how to check their work by using the inverse operation. For instance, if they solve 3,456 + 2,134 = 5,590, they can check by subtracting 2,134 from 5,590 to ensure the answer is correct.
- Estimate and approximate.
- Pupils will practise estimating sums and differences by rounding numbers before calculating. For example, they might round 4,678 to 4,700 and2,345 to 2,300 to quickly estimate that the difference is around 2,400.
- Apply addition and subtraction in real-world contexts.
- Pupils will use their skills to solve problems involving money, measures, and time. For instance, they may calculate how much change is due after spending a certain amount or how much time has passed between two events.
Example of Addition and Subtraction (Problem)
“If a family spends £2,345 on a holiday, and the total was £4,000, how much do they have left to spend?”
- Pupils will subtract £2,345 from £4,000 to find the answer (£1,655).
How You Can Support at Home
- Practice mental maths: Encourage your child to add and subtract mentally in everyday situations, such as when shopping or cooking.
- Play number games: Simple addition and subtraction games can help strengthen these skills in a fun way.
- Discuss word problems: Present real-life scenarios your child can apply addition or subtraction, such as planning how much money to save or measuring ingredients when baking.
By the end of this unit, pupils will confidently apply addition and subtraction strategies to solve both mental and written calculations, as well as real-life problems.