Multiplication and division - How many ways? - Planning

In the third week of Spring term, Year 3 students are engaging with multiplication and division through a lesson titled "How many ways?". The objective is to teach children how to create a systematic list of combinations from two different groups of objects. The lesson begins with a recap of prior knowledge and a starter activity that prompts students to answer "fluent in four" questions. The key concept introduced is the term 'systematic', and educators are encouraged to explain its meaning and importance in creating an ordered approach rather than working randomly.

Through a practical example, children are asked to determine how many different outfits a character named Zach can create using different coloured tops and shorts. The lesson plan suggests a step-by-step approach, starting with one colour of the top and matching it with each pair of shorts before moving on to the next top. This methodical process helps students realise that by multiplying the number of options in each category (tops and shorts), they can find the total number of combinations, reinforcing their understanding of multiplication as a means of finding the total in a systematic way. Independent learning is supported with differentiated worksheets, and the lesson concludes with a reflective "Give me five" plenary, where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and any challenges they faced. The lesson plan caters to varying levels of student ability, from those working towards expectations to those capable of greater depth, by providing tasks that require them to complete tables, list combinations independently, and use reasoning to solve problems involving multiplication of combinations.