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Grade 3 · Math · Sample lesson

Multiplication as Equal Groups

Estimated time: 20 minutes · Materials: 12 small household objects and paper

Today’s assignment

Objective: Understand multiplication as equal groups and connect it to repeated addition.

Make 4 equal groups with 3 objects in each group. Draw the groups. Then write the repeated-addition sentence and multiplication sentence that describe your model.

Lesson help · Core explanation

Four Groups of Three

Objective: See that 4 × 3 means four equal groups with three objects in every group.

See the model

Multiplication helps us count several groups that all have the same number.

3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12   ·   4 × 3 = 12

Worked example

There are 3 baskets with 5 apples in each basket. How many apples are there?

  1. There are 3 equal groups.
  2. Each group contains 5 apples.
  3. Write repeated addition: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.
  4. Write multiplication: 3 × 5 = 15.

Answer: There are 15 apples.

Hands-on activity

Materials: 12 coins, buttons, blocks, or cereal pieces; paper; pencil.

  1. Separate the objects into 4 groups with 3 objects in each group.
  2. Point to each group and count: 3, 6, 9, 12.
  3. Draw four circles and place three dots in every circle.
  4. Write 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12 beneath the drawing.

Narrated visual lesson

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Four short explanation cards

Quick check

1. What is the total in 3 equal groups of 4?
2. Which multiplication sentence matches 2 + 2 + 2 + 2?
3. Which description matches 5 × 3?

Transcript and another explanation

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Printable lesson alternative

Draw a model for each problem, write repeated addition, and then write the multiplication sentence.

  1. 2 groups of 4
  2. 5 groups of 2
  3. 3 groups of 6
Parent answer guide
  1. 4 + 4 = 8; 2 × 4 = 8
  2. 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10; 5 × 2 = 10
  3. 6 + 6 + 6 = 18; 3 × 6 = 18
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