Properties in Action

Grade Level:

6th Grade

Duration:

30 minutes

Unit:

Exploring Equivalent Expressions
Lesson 2 of 4: Commutative & Associative Properties in Action

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Common Core State Standards (CCSS):

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3
  Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3.A
  Apply the commutative and associative properties of addition and multiplication.

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Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to:

• I can explain the Commutative Property of Addition and Multiplication.
• I can explain the Associative Property of Addition and Multiplication.
• I can identify and match expressions to these properties by analyzing order and grouping.
• I can demonstrate my understanding by explaining how changing order or grouping affects expressions.

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Success Criteria:

• I can correctly sort mathematical expressions based on whether they demonstrate the Commutative or Associative Property.
• I can verbally explain how changing the order (Commutative) or grouping (Associative) in expressions still results in equivalent values.
• I use visual aids to support my explanations.
• I collaborate effectively with a partner to check each other's understanding.

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Materials Needed:

• Sets of sorting cards with expressions showcasing Commutative and Associative properties (printed, larger font, dyslexia-friendly font such as OpenDyslexic)
• Whiteboards and markers (for partner explanations)
• Visual aids: colored grouping brackets on poster-sized expressions
• Sticky notes for student reflections

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Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction and Objective Sharing (5 minutes)

• Greet students and state the lesson purpose: Today, we explore how the order and grouping of numbers affects expressions, focusing on the Commutative and Associative Properties.
• Introduce I can statements and success criteria visually on the board.
• Quick review of prior knowledge: What do “equivalent expressions” mean? (Use simple examples.)

Teacher Script Example:
"When we add or multiply numbers, sometimes switching their order or grouping them differently doesn’t change the answer. Today, we learn why!"

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2. Partner Sorting Activity: Commutative vs Associative Properties (12 minutes)

• Students work in pairs to sort a deck of expression cards into two groups: Commutative Property and Associative Property.

• Visual aids on the table show these properties illustrated with color-coded brackets:

  • Commutative: changing the order, e.g., 3 + 5 = 5 + 3
  • Associative: changing the grouping, e.g., (3 + 5) + 2 = 3 + (5 + 2)

• Each pair discusses their reasoning and writes a short explanation on whiteboards for two examples (one from each property).

Differentiation:

• Provide sentence starters on cards for students who need support, e.g.,
  "This expression shows the Commutative Property because..."
• For students with dyslexia, cards use high contrast colors, simplified fonts, and spacing for easier reading.

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3. Whole Class Share and Explain (8 minutes)

• Pairs volunteer to present one example of each property and explain why they placed the expressions there.
• Teacher highlights key points emphasizing that the Commutative Property is about order and the Associative Property is about grouping.
• Use the visual aids to reinforce explanations.

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4. Quick Individual Practice: Matching Worksheet (4 minutes)

• Students individually complete a short worksheet where they connect expressions to the correct property.
• Worksheet is dyslexia-friendly: minimal text, clear layout, and includes example models.

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5. Closure and Reflection (1 minute)

• Students write on a sticky note one new thing they learned and one question they still have.
• Collect sticky notes while summarizing the lesson verbally.

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Extension Activity (For Advanced Learners):

• Challenge students to create their own pair of expressions demonstrating either the Commutative or Associative Property and explain it to the class.
• Introduce expressions with multiplication and addition mixed together, asking students to identify which property applies.

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Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

• Visual learners: Use color-coded brackets and cards with symbols.
• Auditory learners: Partner discussions and oral explanations.
• Kinesthetic learners: Sorting physical cards and moving them to groups.
• Students with Dyslexia: Use OpenDyslexic font cards, high contrast colors, and glossaries of key terms with pictures.
• Students needing more support: Sentence starters, scaffolded questions, and peer buddy support.
• English Language Learners (ELL): Provide vocabulary visuals and bilingual glossaries where possible.

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Teacher Reflection Notes:

• Observe students’ discussions to assess conceptual understanding beyond correct answers.
• Note which students may need further support or enrichment for upcoming lessons.
• Reflect on student engagement with hands-on sorting activity and partner collaboration.

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This engaging, interactive 30-minute lesson ensures 6th graders grasp how Commutative and Associative properties work through hands-on sorting, clear visuals, partner talk, and quick individual checks, fully aligned to CCSS math standards for equivalent expressions.