Multiplication and division - Multiply by 8 - Planning

In a Year 3 mathematics lesson focused on multiplication and division, students are introduced to the concept of multiplying by 8. The lesson builds upon their understanding of the 4 times table, emphasizing that multiples of 8 are essentially double the corresponding multiples of 4. To reinforce this, the lesson starts with an oral rehearsal of skip counting in 4s and 8s, supported by number line representations. Students are encouraged to observe the patterns between the 4 times and 8 times tables and to articulate their observations using mathematical vocabulary such as factors and products. The lesson employs a bar model to illustrate that for every one group of eight, there are two groups of four, helping students to grasp the concept of multiplication as repeated addition.

During the lesson, children engage in practical group work using Venn diagrams and even number cards to further explore the relationship between multiples of 2, 4, and 8, discussing why odd numbers do not appear in the diagram. They then move on to Activity 1, where they use stem sentences to describe representations of equal groups and express these as both repeated addition and multiplication. In Activity 2, students create arrays with 24 counters, grouping them into eights, and use the stem sentences to build up to their multiplication expressions. They are encouraged to think critically about what each number in the calculation represents and to explore different grouping methods. The lesson concludes with independent work on differentiated worksheets, allowing students to apply their learning and demonstrate their understanding of multiplying by 8 through various representations and calculations.