Multiplication and division - Use arrays - Planning

In a Year 2 mathematics lesson, students are introduced to the concept of arrays as a visual representation to understand multiplication and division. The National Curriculum objectives for this lesson include demonstrating that multiplication can be performed in any order, and solving problems using arrays. Students will also recall and use facts from the 2, 5, and 10 times tables, while recognising odd and even numbers. The key vocabulary for the unit encompasses terms such as addition, multiplication, division, arrays, and the commutative property. Resources provided for the lesson include differentiated sheets, teaching slides, concrete resources like cubes, and squared paper to facilitate learning.

The lesson begins with a small step starter where children complete 'fluent in four' questions, reinforcing previous knowledge. The class teaching input encourages children to explore arrays to see the commutative nature of multiplication, for example, understanding that 5 x 2 is the same as 2 x 5. Independent learning activities involve students using squared paper and cubes to create arrays, representing multiplication statements and discussing these in partner work. The plenary session includes reasoning and problem-solving tasks, where children investigate different ways to arrange cubes in a grid and identify the multiplication statements that correspond to the arrangements. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' exercise, where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key concepts of using arrays to understand multiplication and division.