3x - 3x3 CanDoTables Mat

The CanDoTables Mat is a versatile educational tool designed to enhance students' understanding of multiplication and division through a variety of engaging activities. At the core of the mat is the multiplication fact 3 x 3, which equals 9. The mat encourages students to explore this fact from multiple angles, starting with a visual representation in the form of an array, demonstrating that three groups of three items each result in a total of nine items. This visual approach helps students to grasp the concept of multiplication as repeated addition.

Building upon this foundation, the mat offers a series of exercises that delve deeper into the relationship between multiplication and division. Students are prompted to dissect the number 9 on a number line, understand it as a product of multiplication, and see it as a result of dividing a larger number into equal parts. They are also encouraged to think about the concept of factors and multiples, recognizing that 3 is a factor of 9, and conversely, 9 is a multiple of 3. The mat's activities challenge students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, such as determining the total number of sides when drawing three triangles, calculating the total number of chairs in stacks, dividing bananas among monkeys, and identifying the number of colours in a striped scarf. These exercises not only solidify mathematical concepts but also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.