NCERT Maths Mela, Class 4, textbook pages 149–163

How to teach Class 4 Maths Chapter 10, Elephants, Tigers, and Leopards, at home

Addition and subtraction strategies, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

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NCERT Class 4 Maths Chapter 10 Elephants, Tigers, and Leopards: what it teaches

Games like NIM and an addition chart build number sense, then your child adds and subtracts four-digit numbers with and without regrouping, estimating first and checking by reverse operation.

Why it matters later. Fast, accurate four-digit addition and subtraction is expected in all later classes.

See it: this chapter in pictures

012345678910winning totals: 1, 4, 7, 10
In NIM to 10, reaching 1, 4 and 7 guarantees a win.
+01234567001234567112345678223456789334567891044567891011diagonals of the same sum
The addition chart hides patterns.
3,578 − 1,240 = 2,338check:2,338 + 1,240 = 3,578 ✓
Add back to check.

You need

  • paper and pencil
  • a 0–12 addition chart (draw a grid)
  • play money up to ₹5000 or number cards

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Play NIM: add 1 or 2 in turns; whoever reaches 10 wins. Find the winning number to aim for.
  2. Look at the addition chart: what patterns do you see along rows and diagonals?
  3. Add ₹2,045 + ₹1,240 in columns. Then estimate to check.
  4. Subtract ₹3,578 − ₹1,240 and check by adding the answer back.

Words to use

  • sum
  • difference
  • regroup
  • estimate
  • check
  • strategy

Watch for

  • Regrouping mistakes with zeros, like 3,005 − 1,238. Open a thousand into hundreds, then tens, then ones, step by step with cards.
  • Not checking answers. Add the answer to the smaller number; you should get the bigger one.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouIn NIM to 10, which total do you want to reach?

Your child7! Then whatever you add, I can reach 10.

YouBefore that?

Your child4, and before that 1.

YouNow: ₹2,045 + ₹1,240?

Your child₹3,285.

A game for this week: NIM to 10

  1. Start at 0. Players take turns adding 1 or 2.
  2. Whoever reaches 10 wins.
  3. Play several rounds and find the winning numbers (1, 4, 7).
  4. Change the target to 11 or 12.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1NIM game.
  2. Day 2Patterns in the addition chart.
  3. Day 3Four-digit addition.
  4. Day 4Four-digit subtraction with checks.
  5. Day 5Estimate before calculating.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Adding family bills.
  • Money saved over months.
  • Distances on a trip.
  • Game scores.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

2,045 + 1,240?

3,285.

3,578 − 1,240?

2,338.

In NIM to 10 (add 1 or 2), which total should you reach to be sure of winning?

7. The winning totals are 1, 4, 7 and then 10.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Adds and subtracts four-digit numbers with regrouping.
  • Estimates and checks answers.
  • Explains a winning strategy in NIM.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Maths Mela (Class 4). See the full Class 4 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is the NIM game?

A game where players add 1 or 2 in turns to reach a target; it teaches strategy and number sense.

How do I teach subtraction with zeros, like 3005 − 1238?

Open a thousand into 10 hundreds, then keep regrouping step by step.

How can my child check a subtraction?

Add the answer to the number subtracted; it should give the first number.