Multiplication and division - Comparing Statements - Presentation

In a comprehensive lesson on multiplication and division, Year 3 students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of mathematical relationships through the comparison of statements. The lesson utilises fluency and reasoning teaching slides to guide students in using inequality symbols—less than, greater than, and equal to—to compare multiplication calculations. For example, students are asked to remember the meanings of these symbols and to use them to discern the relationships between different multiplication and division statements. The lesson is interactive and encourages discussion among students to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Activities in the lesson are structured to build on students' existing knowledge of arrays and number sentences. In the first activity, students use arrays to write equivalent multiplication and division sentences, such as 3 x 4 and 4 x 3 both equaling 12. The second activity challenges students to compare statements, like 8 x 3 and 7 x 4, using the inequality symbols, and to justify their reasoning. Further exercises involve completing number sentences to reinforce understanding. The lesson also includes reasoning tasks where students are prompted to agree or disagree with given statements, such as "6 x 6 is greater than two lots of 3 x 6," and to provide evidence for their answers. These activities aim to enhance the students' critical thinking skills and their ability to apply mathematical concepts in different contexts.