Year 3 Maths Lesson Plan: 3-Digit Addition and Subtraction
Free Year 3 maths lesson plan on adding and subtracting 3-digit numbers using the column method. Starter, modelling, practice, and differentiation.
Learning objective
I can add and subtract 3-digit numbers using the formal column method, including exchanges.
Key vocabulary
- column method
- exchange
- regroup
- carry
- borrow
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Number and operations
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Quickfire mental arithmetic: 10 questions on partitioning and recombining (e.g. 'What is 240 + 30?'). Pupils write answers on whiteboards. Reveal that today they will use these skills in the column method.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Model 245 + 137 in columns, drawing attention to the exchange from ones to tens. Pupils complete a worked example with the teacher, then practise on a mixed worksheet (six addition, six subtraction). Use base-10 equipment for any pupils who need to physically see the exchange. Pose a word problem: 'A school has 312 books in the library and donates 148. How many remain?' — pupils show working in column form.
Differentiation
Support
Use base-10 equipment alongside written method. Stick to additions without exchange before introducing exchange. Pre-printed columns for alignment support.
Core
Solve a mixed worksheet of 3-digit additions and subtractions, including up to one exchange per calculation.
Stretch
Solve missing-digit problems (e.g. 4_3 + 17_ = 632) and apply the method to two-step word problems involving both addition and subtraction.
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Display three column-method calculations with deliberate errors (forgotten exchange, misaligned columns, missed digit). Pupils identify and correct each error in pairs.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often try to subtract the smaller digit from the larger regardless of its position (e.g. for 432 − 178, treating the ones column as 8 − 2 = 6 instead of exchanging). Use base-10 equipment to make the exchange concrete.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 3 maths lesson?
I can add and subtract 3-digit numbers using the formal column method, including exchanges.
How long does this addition and subtraction (3-digit) lesson take?
60 minutes, structured into a starter, main activity, and plenary. Differentiation guidance is included for support, core, and stretch learners.
Is this lesson plan free to download?
Yes. The full plan is free to read and adapt. You can also generate an editable, fully resourced version in TAyumira's free lesson planner — no credit card required.
Does this lesson cover the UK National Curriculum?
Yes. This plan aligns with National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Number and operations.
Can I edit this lesson plan for my class?
Yes. Use this as a template and adapt to your class context. To save typing time, generate a customised version in TAyumira's free planner — your class size, ability range, and lesson length are factored in automatically.