Partitioning numbers is taught in Years 2/3 and involves separating numbers out into units, tens, hundreds, etc. Once children have mastered partitioning 2 digits (tens and units), they’ll move onto 3 digit partitioning (hundreds, tens and units).

It’s important for calculation because it helps children break down larger numbers into numbers that are easier to work with. I remember learning partitioning, sat at a desk with endless worksheets. However, with a few items you can make a fun and interactive way for children to learn 3 digit partitioning.

You will need:

3 plastic cups.

A permanent marker.

On the first cup, write the numbers 000 to 900 (counting in hundreds) with the permanent marker. This is the hundreds cup.

On the second cup, write the numbers 00 to 90 with the permanent marker. This is the tens cup.

On the third cup, write the numbers 0 to 10 with the permanent marker. This is the units, or ones, cup.

You could just use the first two cups to teach 2 digit partitioning or, once your child has the hang of 3 digit partitioning, make a thousands cup.

Now you have your three cups for partitioning numbers. Stack them together with the hundreds cup inside the tens, then these two inside the units. Your child can now use the cups to make numbers by turning the cups. Once they’ve made a number, they can slide the cups out a bit to see how it breaks down.

You can just make up numbers yourself or why not send your child on a three digit number hunt. Have them look in the cupboards and find some three digit numbers to partition (e.g. weights on food and bathroom products). If you live near a road with lots of houses, take the cups (and your child of course!) for a walk and partition the door numbers.

Have fun learning all about 3 digit partitioning!