Multiplication and division - Make equal groups - Starter

In a Year 1 mathematics lesson focusing on multiplication and division, students are encouraged to understand the concept of making equal groups. The lesson, taking place in the Summer Term on Week 2, Day 5, includes a 'Fluent in Four' revision exercise to bolster mental arithmetic skills. For instance, students are tasked with doubling the number 7 and then adding five to reach a sum of 19. Additionally, they solve problems where they add three to an unknown number to also total 19. This type of exercise helps to solidify their understanding of basic addition and prepares them for more complex mathematical concepts.

The lesson also includes a practical application of multiplication through a visual and engaging problem involving wolves and boulders. Students are asked to determine the number of wolves on each boulder, the number of boulders, and then to calculate the total number of wolves. In this scenario, there are 10 wolves on each boulder and 3 boulders, resulting in a total of 30 wolves. To further challenge the students, they are given a series of numbers from 21 to 50 and are tasked with using four of these numbers to complete a statement. In a separate activity, they measure the length of a caterpillar, enhancing their skills in measurement and comparison, with the answer being a 5cm difference in length. These activities are designed to build foundational skills in arithmetic and to apply mathematical reasoning in real-world contexts.