Year 3 Maths Lesson Plan: Place Value (3-Digit Numbers)
Free Year 3 maths lesson plan on place value with 3-digit numbers. Starter, main activity, differentiation, plenary, and editable AI-generated version.
Learning objective
I can recognise the place value of each digit in a 3-digit number (hundreds, tens, ones).
Key vocabulary
- place value
- hundreds
- tens
- ones
- digit
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Number and place value
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Display three random 3-digit numbers (e.g. 247, 503, 192). Pupils write each number in expanded form on whiteboards (e.g. 200 + 40 + 7). Cold-call three pupils to explain their reasoning, then reveal the value of each digit using a place-value chart.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Introduce the place-value chart with hundreds, tens, and ones columns. Model partitioning a 3-digit number using base-10 equipment (Dienes blocks). Pupils work in pairs with a deck of digit cards to build numbers and record them in place-value charts. Progress to comparing numbers using <, >, and =. Final task: write the largest and smallest 3-digit numbers using only the digits 4, 7, and 2 with each digit used once.
Differentiation
Support
Use base-10 equipment alongside the place-value chart. Limit to 2-digit numbers initially with adult support before progressing to 3-digit.
Core
Work with 3-digit numbers using digit cards and place-value charts. Compare two 3-digit numbers using <, >, =.
Stretch
Extend to ordering five 3-digit numbers, identifying numbers that satisfy multiple conditions (e.g. greater than 500, fewer than 6 tens, with an odd ones digit).
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Display 'I'm thinking of a number — it has 5 hundreds, 0 tens, and 9 ones.' Pupils write the number on whiteboards. Discuss the role of zero as a placeholder.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often confuse the value of a digit with the digit itself. The 4 in 247 has a value of 40, not 4. Use base-10 equipment to make the value visible.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 3 maths lesson?
I can recognise the place value of each digit in a 3-digit number (hundreds, tens, ones).
How long does this place value (3-digit numbers) 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 place value.
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.