Year 4 Autumn Block 2
Autumn Block 2: Addition and Subtraction – Year 4 Maths
Help pupils gain confidence with written and mental methods in this Year 4 addition and subtraction unit, aligned with White Rose Maths 3.0. Pupils build fluency through structured small steps, focusing on accuracy, exchange and efficient calculation.
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View Small Steps and Curriculum Objectives
Week 5
- Add 1s, 10s, 100s and 1000s
- Subtract 1s, 10s, 100s and 1000s
- Add 2, 3 and 4-digit numbers with no exchange
- Add up to 4-digit numbers with one exchange
- Add up to 4-digit numbers with multiple exchanges
Week 6
- Subtract from 4-digit numbers with no exchange
- Subtract from 4-digit numbers with one exchange
- Subtract from 4-digit numbers with multiple exchanges
- Solve addition and subtraction problems with and without exchanges
Week 7
- Find an efficient subtraction method
- Estimate answers to calculations
- Use the inverse and estimation to check answers
National Curriculum Objectives
- Add and subtract numbers with up to four digits using the formal written methods of columnar addition and subtraction where appropriate
- Estimate and use inverse operations to check answers to a calculation
- Solve addition and subtraction two-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why
Year 4 Addition and Subtraction Resources
This block builds accuracy, confidence and flexibility with both mental and written methods for adding and subtracting four-digit numbers. Pupils apply their understanding of place value to solve calculations and check their work using estimation and the inverse.
What’s covered in this block?
Through three weeks of sequenced small steps, pupils deepen their understanding of addition and subtraction strategies. They work with exchanges, refine their written methods, and begin to think about which approaches are most efficient.
Week 5
- Add and subtract 1s, 10s, 100s and 1,000s
- Add 2, 3 and 4-digit numbers with no exchange
- Add 4-digit numbers with one or multiple exchanges
Week 6
- Subtract from 4-digit numbers with and without exchange
- Solve word problems involving both operations
Week 7
- Choose efficient subtraction strategies
- Estimate answers and check with the inverse
Why it matters
This block supports key Year 4 curriculum aims and prepares pupils for multi-step reasoning. Pupils develop stronger number sense, improve their accuracy, and gain confidence selecting the right method for the task.
