Multiplication and division - Comparing Statements - Planning

Year 3 students embark on a mathematical journey to understand and compare multiplication and division statements through a series of engaging activities. The lesson begins with a recap of previous learning, where students use their foundational knowledge to interpret and compare mathematical statements using inequality symbols. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as multiplication, division, arrays, compare, calculations, commutative, and inequality symbols. Students are encouraged to explore different representations of multiplication and division, including arrays and repeated addition, to deepen their understanding of these concepts.

The class is then introduced to arrays as a visual tool to comprehend multiplication and division. For example, an array with 3 columns and 4 rows illustrates the multiplication fact 3 x 4, which is commutative, meaning it can also be represented as 4 x 3. This visual representation aids in understanding division as well. In the next activity, students progress to comparing calculations using inequality symbols, determining which side of a statement represents a greater or lesser value. To further challenge their understanding, students are presented with more complex problems and are taught strategies such as counting in multiples or using inverse operations to find missing numbers. Independent learning is supported by differentiated worksheets, and the lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' plenary, where students consider what they have learned, the skills they have used, and what they will remember from the lesson.