Year 4 Maths Lesson Plan: Place Value with 4-Digit Numbers
Free Year 4 maths lesson plan on place value, 4-digit numbers, negative numbers, and Roman numerals. Starter, main activity, plenary, and differentiation.
Learning objective
I can recognise the place value of each digit in a 4-digit number and count in tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Key vocabulary
- place value
- thousands
- negative
- Roman numerals
- compare
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 4 Mathematics — Number and place value
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Display the number 4,728. Pupils partition it into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones on whiteboards. Cold-call three pupils to read the number aloud and explain the value of each digit.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Use a place-value chart and base-10 equipment to model 4-digit numbers. Pupils build numbers using digit cards and record on a chart. Introduce comparison using <, >, and =. Move to negative numbers in the context of temperature: order −5, 3, −2, 0, 7. Briefly introduce Roman numerals (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) and convert three numbers from the lesson into Roman form.
Differentiation
Support
Use base-10 equipment with 3-digit numbers initially, before progressing to 4-digit. Limit Roman numerals to under 50.
Core
Read, write, compare, and order 4-digit numbers. Convert between Arabic and Roman numerals up to 100.
Stretch
Order a mixed set including negative numbers, decimals, and Roman numerals (e.g. −7, MMXX, 1500, −2, IV).
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Show MMXXIV. Pupils convert to standard form (2024). Reverse: convert 1999 into Roman numerals. Discuss why Roman numerals are still used (clock faces, dates).
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often think a longer Roman numeral always represents a larger number (e.g. assuming VIII > X). Reinforce that V = 5, X = 10, regardless of how many letters are written.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 4 maths lesson?
I can recognise the place value of each digit in a 4-digit number and count in tens, hundreds, and thousands.
How long does this place value (4-digit numbers, negatives, roman numerals) 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 4 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.