- Year 3
Estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks
I can estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks
- Year 3
Estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks
I can estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Estimating and comparing can be used when considering how long different activities might take.
- Adding and subtracting skills might be used when working out intervals or durations.
Keywords
Interval - What is between two values or points. For example, the time between 9:00 and 9:15
Common misconception
Pupils need to be confident with the addition and subtraction of two digit numbers to other two digit numbers to be able to work out intervals or calculate using the intervals.
The idea of using tracing paper to create 15 minute, 30 minute and 45 minute time intervals is suggested and modelled. This can support the arithmetic in the lesson along with counting in 5s around the clock face.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Tell the time to the nearest minute and compare units of time unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order these time intervals from shortest to longest.
Q2.How many minutes are there in one hour? There are minutes in one hour.
Q3.10 + 35 =
Q4.How many minutes are there in three quarters of an hour? There are minutes in three quarters of an hour.
Q5.25 + 15 =
Q6.50 − 15 =
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the time intervals.
quarter of an hour
half an hour
three quarters of an hour
Q2.Match the activity with a sensible estimate about how long it might take.
3 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
Q3.What time interval is being shown here?

Q4.Pedro started swimming at half past 9 and it took him 20 minutes. What time did he finish?
Q5.Pedro finished swimming at quarter to 11 and it took him 20 minutes. What time did he start?
Q6.What time interval is being shown here? Select all of the options that apply.
