L4 Solve Two-Step Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

This engaging Year 4 maths lesson on two-step word problems helps pupils build confidence solving multi-step problems involving addition and subtraction with 4-digit numbers. The lesson develops pupils’ reasoning skills as they learn to identify the sequence of calculations needed and use place value understanding to reach accurate solutions. The lesson begins with a starter activity that revisits one-step addition and subtraction word problems from previous Year 4 learning. Pupils analyse an example together, identifying key vocabulary that signals addition and using place value (PV) counters to represent the calculation. This recap reinforces how to recognise when a problem requires only one calculation and supports understanding of exchanges, such as trading 10 hundreds for 1 thousand. In the main teaching section, pupils are introduced to two-step word problems, where they must complete two linked calculations. Through guided modelling, pupils learn how to read the problem carefully, identify the order of operations and understand how the answer from step one becomes the starting point for step two. Examples include problems involving addition followed by subtraction and those involving two additions. The independent activity uses a collaborative round-robin approach. Pupils work in small groups and move between five stations around the classroom, each containing a different two-step word problem. At each station, children discuss the problem, decide which calculations are required and record their working on whiteboards. They then use place value counters to represent the numbers and find the solution before recording their calculations and answers in their maths books. The plenary encourages mathematical reasoning by presenting an incorrect solution from a pupil called Malachi. Children analyse the mistake and identify that the result from the first step was not used correctly in the second calculation. By correcting the error, pupils reinforce their un