Multiplication and division - Multiplication equal groups - Planning

The Year 3 Autumn Multiplication and Division curriculum for Week 1 focuses on the concept of 'Equal Groups' as part of understanding multiplication. The students are expected to count in multiples of 4, 8, 50, and 100, recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4, and 8 times tables, and write and calculate mathematical statements for these operations. The lesson aims to enhance their skills in solving various problems, including those with missing numbers and scaling. Key vocabulary such as 'equal groups', 'unequal groups', 'repeated addition', 'arrays', and 'commutative law' are introduced to build a solid foundation in multiplication and division concepts.

The lesson begins with a review of prior knowledge and the introduction of the terms 'equal' and 'unequal'. Students work in pairs, using everyday objects like pencil crayons and sweets to identify and discuss equal and unequal groups. They are encouraged to use stem sentences to articulate their understanding, for example, stating the number of equal groups and the quantity within each group. Practical activities involve representing equal groups using classroom resources, and children are challenged to create number stories that match their representations. The lesson also includes a plenary to address common misconceptions and ensure students understand the relationship between multiplication and division. Differentiated tasks cater to various levels of learning, from describing equal groups to creating multiple representations for given statements.