L6 Solve Real-World Division Problems

This engaging Year 3 maths lesson focuses on solving division word problems, helping pupils apply their understanding of sharing and grouping in real-life contexts. Part of the Spring term Multiplication and Division unit, this resource follows a “working without worksheets” approach, encouraging active learning, discussion, and mathematical reasoning. The lesson begins with a recap of prior learning, including division and place value. Pupils revisit the concept of sharing into equal groups using visual representations, such as sweets and cakes, and complete stem sentences to strengthen their mathematical language and understanding. They are then encouraged to write division calculations to match pictorial representations, reinforcing the link between concrete, pictorial, and abstract methods. Through clear modelling and guided teaching, children are introduced to a range of one-step and two-step division word problems. They are supported in identifying what each question is asking, choosing the correct calculation, and breaking problems down into manageable steps. Visual aids and structured examples help pupils to develop confidence and accuracy. During independent practice, pupils solve division word problems using resource stickers, recording their methods and answers in their maths books. Concrete resources such as counters or arrays can be used to support understanding and scaffold learning where needed. The plenary encourages discussion and deeper thinking, including evaluating different methods and reasoning about solutions. Pupils are given opportunities to explain their thinking and consider alternative approaches, helping to strengthen problem-solving and reasoning skills. The resource also highlights common misconceptions, such as misunderstanding the context of a problem, confusion between operations, or missing steps in two-step problems. Fully aligned with the Year 3 National Curriculum, this lesson supports pupils in developing fluency, reasoning, an