3x - 4x3 CanDoTables Mat

The CanDoTables Mat is a resource designed to help students understand and practice multiplication and division through a variety of approaches. The mat encourages students to 'Draw it' by visualising multiplication as an array, where, for example, 3 multiplied by 4 can be seen as three rows of four dots. This visual representation aids in comprehending the concept of multiplication as repeated addition. The 'Derive it' section prompts students to break down multiplication into its component parts, such as 3 x 4 being the same as (3 x 1) + (3 x 3), to deepen their understanding of how numbers combine to form products.

The 'Dissect it' part of the mat uses a number line to illustrate multiplication and division by grouping and sharing. Students can see that multiplying 3 by 4 results in 12, and dividing 12 by 3 returns to the original number 4. The mat also includes blank spaces for students to fill in the missing numbers, reinforcing the relationship between multiplication and division. Additionally, it challenges students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, such as calculating the total number of legs if there are four stools with three legs each, or determining the number of dinosaurs based on the total number of horns. The CanDoTables Mat is an interactive tool that not only teaches mathematical operations but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.