L2 Count Up and Down in Tenths

This Year 3 Fractions lesson on counting up and down in tenths is a practical, engaging resource designed to build pupils’ confidence with fractions through visual models, counting, and hands-on activities. Aligned with the National Curriculum, this lesson is ideal for Autumn term maths and follows on naturally from learning about tenths as equal parts. The lesson begins by revisiting prior learning, reinforcing fraction vocabulary and helping children connect written fractions to visual representations. Pupils then learn to count forwards and backwards in tenths using number lines, ten frames, and concrete resources. Counting aloud as a class supports fluency and helps children recognise that ten tenths are equal to one whole. Practical activities include using cubes to physically model counting in tenths and working collaboratively to order tenths on a number line. Paired discussion and reasoning tasks encourage children to identify missing fractions and explain their thinking, helping to uncover and address common misconceptions. This resource includes: Fully structured lesson planning (starter, main activities, plenary) Animated teaching slides (best viewed in slideshow mode) Hands-on, worksheet-light activities Clear National Curriculum links Key questions, assessment opportunities, and common misconceptions Perfect for Year 3 teachers, this lesson supports conceptual understanding, mathematical language, and fluency when counting in tenths.