Multiplication & Division

Grade: 3

Duration: 60 minutes

Class size: 25 students

Standards Alignment:

• Texas TEKS 3.4D: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
• Texas TEKS 3.4E: Represent problems using arrays and equal groups.
• Texas TEKS 3.4K: Model multiplication and division to interpret problems with units of 6 and 7.
• Texas TEKS 3.5B: Represent multiplication and division with drawing and equations.
• Texas TEKS 3.5D: Solve multiplication and division word problems involving unknowns.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Multiply and divide with units of 6 and 7 using arrays and equal groups.
• Interpret the unknown in multiplication and division word problems involving these units.
• Model and represent multiplication and division problems using drawings and equations.
• Solve multiplication and division word problems effectively.

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Success Criteria — I can... Statements

• I can create arrays and equal groups to show multiplication and division with 6 and 7.
• I can write equations to represent multiplication and division problems.
• I can figure out the missing number in word problems using multiplication or division.
• I can explain how I solved multiplication and division problems with drawing or writing.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Individual student whiteboards or notebooks
• Multiplication and division counters (e.g., cubes or chips)
• Printed word problem cards with dyslexia-friendly font (e.g., OpenDyslexic)
• Visual aids with arrays (color-coded groups)
• Chart paper for modeling problems
• Extension activity worksheets
• Pencils, erasers, and colored pencils

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Activate Prior Knowledge:
  Ask students: “If you have 7 groups with 6 apples each, how many apples do you have in all?”
  Use counters to model this visually.
• Set the Purpose:
  Explain that today they will learn how to use multiplication and division to solve problems with groups of 6 and 7 using pictures, arrays, and equations.
• Connect to TEKS and Common Core:
  Briefly share student-friendly explanation:
  “We will learn how to see multiplication and division problems in real life and solve for answers we don’t know yet.”

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2. Modeling Arrays and Equal Groups (15 minutes)

• Mini-Lesson using arrays:

  • Demonstrate building arrays with 6 rows and 7 columns using the whiteboard or physical counters.
  • Show how the total can be found by multiplying rows by columns.
  • Emphasize that each group is an equal group or row. Use color to separate groups visually.

• Dyslexia-Friendly Options:

  • Use a large, clear font (OpenDyslexic) for all written instructions and problems.
  • Use colored overlays or highlight key numbers to help dyslexic learners focus.
  • Provide audio assistance by reading problems aloud or pairing students to read together.

• Guided Practice:

  • Have students create their own arrays with 6 and 7 in their notebooks or with counters.
  • Prompt students to write the multiplication expression that matches their array (e.g., 6 x 7 = 42).

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3. Interpreting the Unknown in Word Problems (15 minutes)

• Present word problems focused on units of 6 and 7:
  Example:

  • “Sarah has 7 boxes of crayons. Each box has 6 crayons. How many crayons does Sarah have in all?”
  • “There are 42 cookies shared equally in 7 bags. How many cookies are in each bag?”

• Use visual drawing strategy:

  • Students draw equal groups or arrays based on the problem.
  • Guide them to write the matching multiplication or division equations with unknowns (e.g., 7 x ? = 42 or 42 ÷ 7 = ?).

• In pairs, students solve one problem reading aloud to each other (peer support for dyslexic and ELL students).

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4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)

• Students work individually on a worksheet with:

  • Multiplication and division problems involving 6 and 7.
  • Tasks to create arrays, interpret unknowns, and write equations.

• Differentiation:

  • For struggling learners: simplified numbers (focusing on 6 only), manipulatives, and sentence starters.
  • For advanced learners: introduce 2-step word problems involving both multiplication and division.

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5. Extension Activity (for early finishers or advanced learners)

• Challenge:
  • Create your own word problem involving groups of 6 or 7 and solve it.
  • Draw arrays or groups and write equations with unknowns.
  • Present the problem to a partner or small group.

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6. Closing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Class discussion:

  • Review key ideas: arrays, equal groups, unknowns, equations.
  • Students share their favorite problem or drawing.

• Exit Ticket:

  • Write one “I can…” statement the student achieved today.
  • Solve a quick problem: “There are 7 boxes and 6 stickers in each box. How many stickers total?”

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Dyslexic Learners	Use large print, colored overlays, audio reading support, peer reading, and multi-sensory materials.
Visual Learners	Provide colored arrays, physical counters, and drawings.
Struggling Learners	Simplify problems focusing on multiplication only, use manipulatives, one-step problems.
Advanced Learners	Offer multi-step word problems, creative problem writing, and challenge puzzles.
English Language Learners	Picture dictionaries with math vocabulary, paired discussion, sentence frames.

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Teacher Notes

• Monitor student work closely, especially during independent practice, to scaffold or challenge as needed.
• Encourage the use of math journals or notebooks for students to write/draw their thinking—the stronger the visual representation, the better comprehension.
• Reinforce vocabulary: array, groups, multiplication, division, unknown, equation.
• Use positive reinforcement and clear success criteria to build confidence for all learners.

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Thank you for bringing this lesson to life for your 3rd graders! Your students will grow confident with multiplication and division through interactive modeling, visual supports, and meaningful problem solving.