L5 Represent Numbers Using Different Representations

This Year 4 Represent Numbers in Different Ways lesson is a practical and engaging Spring term maths resource designed to deepen pupils’ understanding of four-digit place value. Following a Working Without Worksheets approach, this lesson promotes hands-on learning, partner discussion and mathematical reasoning to secure strong conceptual foundations. Aligned with the National Curriculum for Year 4 place value, the lesson begins with a recap of counting in 10s, 100s and 1,000s to reinforce number patterns and prior knowledge. Pupils explore multiple representations of a four-digit number such as 3,245, discussing how the same number can be shown in different ways using visual models. Children use base 10 equipment to physically build four-digit numbers, before representing them in expanded form, on place value charts and with arrow cards or place value counters. This structured modelling supports pupils in recognising the value of each digit within thousands, hundreds, tens and ones. Emphasis is placed on mathematical vocabulary and explaining reasoning clearly. During the main activity, pupils select numbers and work collaboratively to represent them in at least two different ways using a range of practical resources. This encourages flexible thinking and strengthens understanding of how numbers can be partitioned and structured. The plenary focuses on comparing different representations, identifying similarities and differences, and using the same digits to create new numbers. Carefully structured key questions support assessment for learning and promote deeper reasoning. Ideal for Year 4 teachers delivering Spring term place value, this resource supports mastery through exploration, discussion and multiple representations of four-digit numbers.