L1 Count in Multiples of 6

This Year 4 Autumn Term Place Value lesson plan— “Count in Multiples of 6” —provides a complete, ready-to-teach resource designed to strengthen children’s fluency, reasoning and understanding of number patterns. Aligned with the national curriculum objective “Count in multiples of 6, 7, 9, 25 and 1,000,” this carefully structured session builds directly on Year 3 knowledge and introduces children to the patterns, relationships and structures within the 6 times-table. The lesson starts with an engaging discussion about real-life examples of things grouped in sixes, such as insects, eggs, dice and guitar strings. Pupils then explore multiples of 6 using a hundred square, identifying the diagonal pattern and recognising that all multiples of 6 are even. Through a mix of whole-class input, guided practice and hands-on activities, children learn to use doubling and multiples of 3 to deepen their conceptual understanding. A creative practical activity invites pupils to stamp a 6-studded construction brick (e.g., LEGO) into ink or paint to create visual arrays, helping them record and recognise multiples of 6 in a highly memorable way. A reasoning challenge encourages mathematical discussion by addressing a common misconception: “Are all multiples of 3 also multiples of 6?” The plan includes assessment checkpoints, key questions, resources needed and common misconceptions, supporting teachers in delivering high-quality maths teaching without worksheets. Perfect for developing fluency, mathematical thinking and confidence in counting in steps of 6.