Multiplication and division - Related Calculations - Planning

In this Year 3 mathematics lesson, the focus is on exploring related calculations in multiplication and division. The session starts with a recap of previous learning where students are reminded that when one number in a multiplication calculation is ten times bigger, the result is also ten times bigger. This foundational understanding is crucial as students delve into the concept of related calculations. Using place value counters, worksheets, and a presentation, children are encouraged to think about what it means for calculations to be related. The term 'related' is discussed, and examples are provided to illustrate how numbers in a calculation can change, yet maintain a proportional relationship. For example, if 2 x 6 equals 12, then 2 x 60 will result in 120, showcasing that the calculations are similar but differ in scale.

The lesson continues with activities that prompt students to compare arrays and identify how they are similar or different based on whether they are made of ones or tens. Children learn to apply their understanding of multiplication to larger numbers by recognising that an array of four fives (4 x 5) is related to an array of four fifties (4 x 50), the latter being ten times more. The concept of a fact family is introduced, where students see how the same numbers can be arranged in different ways to form related multiplication and division calculations. Independent activities with differentiated worksheets allow students to further explore these concepts. The plenary session includes a reflective 'Give me five' activity where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and the strategies that have helped them, ensuring that they remember to use their known facts to find related ones. Different levels of worksheets cater to varying abilities, ranging from simple times tables to more complex problem-solving questions.