Year 3 - Subtraction Unit 2

Launch your Year 3 class into outdoor maths sessions they’ll remember, as they master subtracting 3-digit numbers with and without exchange. Pupils will estimate, calculate, and solve missing number challenges using hands-on number lines, relay races, and thrilling competitive games—making subtraction active, unforgettable, and full of fun.

Lesson Plans

Subtracting 100s from 3-digit numbers

Guide your Year 3 class through an engaging outdoor maths lesson, as they actively master subtracting 100s from 3-digit numbers using exciting physical number lines. This hands-on approach ensures a memorable and fun learning experience, solidifying their mental subtraction skills.

Learning objective:

To subtract 100s from 3-digit numbers.

Subtracting 3-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers - no exchange

Help your Year 3 class confidently master subtracting 3-digit numbers without exchange in this engaging outdoor maths lesson! Pupils will sharpen their estimation skills, practise formal written methods, and build their reasoning through fun estimation challenges and a lively, competitive game.

Learning objective:

To subtract 3-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers. No exchange.

Subtracting 3-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers - with exchange

Get your Year 3 class calculating 3-digit subtraction with exchange in an action-packed outdoor maths lesson! Pupils will boost their confidence estimating differences, practise formal written methods, and sharpen their reasoning skills through an energetic relay race and a thrilling hopscotch challenge—making maths active, memorable, and full of fun!

Learning objective:

To subtract 3-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers. With exchange.

Solving more complex subtraction problems

Bring subtraction to life for your Year 3 class with this action-packed outdoor maths lesson! Pupils will tackle progressively challenging problems, compare calculations, and solve missing number puzzles through a fast-paced mental subtraction game and a lively ‘Quick Draw’ activity—making learning active, fun, and unforgettable.

Learning objective:

To solve subtraction problems.

Before you get started

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