Lesson Plan
Array Adventure Lesson Plan
Students will master multiplication by building and interpreting arrays, representing equal groups through repeated addition and skip counting, aligned with TEKS 3.5A.
This lesson develops concrete understanding of multiplication, boosts fluency with basic facts, and reinforces skip counting—essential foundations for future math success.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on array exploration with guided and independent practice.
Materials
- Plastic Counters, - Individual Array Grid Mats, - Dry-Erase Whiteboards and Markers, - Skip-Counting Number Charts, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Sticky Notes
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough Individual Array Grid Mats for each student
- Gather containers of Plastic Counters
- Distribute Dry-Erase Whiteboards and Markers to each pair
- Display Skip-Counting Number Charts at the front of the group
- Review Array Adventure Lesson Plan to ensure smooth delivery
Step 1
Introduction
3 minutes
- Activate prior knowledge by asking: “What is multiplication?”
- Explain that multiplication is grouped addition and can be shown with arrays
- Show a simple 2×3 array on the whiteboard and write the matching multiplication sentence
Step 2
Warm-Up Activity
4 minutes
- Lead skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s using the Skip-Counting Number Charts
- Students chorally count along
- Ask volunteers to show how skip counting by 3s and 4s works
Step 3
Array Exploration Activity
10 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Array Grid Mat and Plastic Counters
- Prompt pairs to build arrays for given multiplication facts (e.g., 4×3, 5×2)
- Have them count total counters and write the repeated-addition and multiplication sentences on whiteboards
- Circulate to check understanding and ask guiding questions
Step 4
Guided Practice
5 minutes
- Model solving a 6×4 array problem on the whiteboard
- Talk through rows × columns, total counters, repeated addition, and skip counting
- Invite students to replicate the process on their whiteboards for a new array
Step 5
Independent Practice
5 minutes
- Give each student sticky notes with three array challenges
- Students build each array with counters, record the multiplication sentence, and stick their notes on a designated board
- Encourage self-checking by comparing with a partner
Step 6
Cool-Down & Assessment
3 minutes
- Select 2–3 sticky notes and have students explain the array and multiplication sentence aloud
- Use observations to assess mastery of arrays, repeated addition, and skip counting
- Note students needing additional support for future small-group work
Slide Deck
Array Adventure: Mastering Multiplication with Arrays
In this 30-minute lesson, we'll:
• Learn what arrays are
• Practice skip counting
• Build and interpret arrays
• Write multiplication & repeated-addition sentences
• Work independently to show our understanding
Welcome everyone! Today we begin our Array Adventure to explore how arrays help us master multiplication. Introduce yourself, share the lesson name, and explain the flow: objectives, intro to arrays, warm-up, hands-on exploration, guided example, and independent practice.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Build and interpret arrays to represent multiplication facts
- Represent equal groups using repeated addition
- Use skip counting to find totals in an array
- Write correct multiplication sentences from arrays
Review the objectives so students know our learning targets. Emphasize the TEKS 3.5A standard: using arrays, equal groups, skip counting, and repeated addition.
Introduction to Arrays
• An array is an arrangement of objects in rows and columns.
• Rows run side-to-side; columns run top-to-bottom.
• Example: 2 rows of 3 dots makes a 2×3 array, which equals 6.
Define an array for students. Draw a 2×3 grid on the board, place counters or dots, and label rows and columns as you speak.
Skip-Count Warm-Up
- Skip count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8…
- Skip count by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20…
- Skip count by 10s: 10, 20, 30, 40…
- Volunteers: skip count by 3s and 4s
Lead a quick chorus skip-counting warm-up. Point to the charts and call out the next numbers. Invite volunteers to skip-count by 3s and 4s.
Array Exploration Activity
• Pair up and get an Array Grid Mat & counters
• Build given arrays (e.g., 4×3, 5×2)
• Count total counters
• Record: repeated addition (4+4+4) and multiplication (3×4)
• Teacher circulates to guide and ask questions
Explain step-by-step how pairs will explore arrays. Remind students to write both the repeated-addition and multiplication sentences for each array they build.
Guided Example
- Draw a 6×4 array (4 rows of 6)
- Count total: 24 counters
- Repeated addition: 6+6+6+6 = 24
- Skip count by 6s: 6, 12, 18, 24
Model a 6×4 array on the whiteboard: draw 6 columns, 4 rows, count 24, show 4+4+4+4+4+4, and skip-count by 4s to 24.
Independent Practice
• Each student gets 3 sticky-note challenges
• Build each array, write the multiplication sentence
• Stick notes on the board when done
• Partner check for accuracy
Explain the independent practice structure and encourage students to self-check with partners. Monitor progress and offer support as needed.
Activity
Array Building Activity
Time: 10 minutes
Group: Pairs
Materials:
- Individual Array Grid Mat
- Plastic Counters
- Dry-Erase Whiteboard & Marker
Purpose
Students work with a partner to build arrays that represent given multiplication facts. This hands-on activity reinforces the connection between rows & columns, repeated addition, and skip counting (3.5A TEKS).
Setup
- Arrange students into pairs.
- Distribute one Array Grid Mat and a handful of Plastic Counters to each pair.
- Give each pair a dry-erase whiteboard and marker.
Instructions
- Teacher calls out a multiplication fact (e.g., 3×4).
- Partners discuss how many rows and columns they need.
- Build the array on the grid mat by placing counters:
- Rows = first number (3 rows)
- Columns = second number (4 columns)
- Count total counters together.
- On the whiteboard, write:
- The repeated-addition sentence (3+3+3+3 = 12)
- The multiplication sentence (3×4 = 12)
- Erase, then repeat with the next fact until pairs complete four facts.
Guiding Questions
- How many rows and columns do we need for this fact?
- What does each row represent?
- How can we use skip counting to find the total?
- How is your repeated-addition sentence like your multiplication sentence?
Check for Understanding
- Circulate and observe each pair’s array:
• Are counters arranged in neat rows and columns?
• Does the repeated-addition sentence match the array?
• Can students skip-count correctly to the total?
Extension
Challenge advanced pairs to create their own array fact (up to 7×5), build it, and write the corresponding sentences on sticky notes to share with the class.
Ready to build more arrays?
Worksheet
Array Worksheet
Name: _______________________ Date: _______________
For each problem below:
- Draw the array for the given rows and columns.
- Write the repeated-addition sentence.
- Write the multiplication sentence.
- Skip count to find the total.
1. 2 rows and 4 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 4 to fill in the blanks:
4, ____
2. 3 rows and 5 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 5 to fill in the blanks:
5, ____, ____
3. 4 rows and 3 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ + ____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 3 to fill in the blanks:
3, ____, ____, ____
4. 5 rows and 2 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ + ____ + ____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 2 to fill in the blanks:
2, ____, ____, ____, ____
5. 6 rows and 3 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ + ____ + ____ + ____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 3 to fill in the blanks:
3, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____
6. 4 rows and 6 columns
Draw the array:
Write the repeated-addition sentence:
____ + ____ + ____ + ____ = ____
Write the multiplication sentence:
____ × ____ = ____
Skip count by 6 to fill in the blanks:
6, ____, ____
Good luck, mathematicians! Draw carefully and show all your work. Remember to use your skip counting and repeated addition skills to find each total.
Answer Key
Array Worksheet Answer Key
Reference: Array Worksheet
Problem 1: 2 rows and 4 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ● ● ●
● ● ● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
4 + 4 = 8
Reasoning: Two rows each containing 4 counters means 4 + 4.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
2 × 4 = 8
Reasoning: Number of rows (2) × counters per row (4).
4. Skip Counting by 4:
4, 8
Reasoning: Start at 4, add 4 to get 8.
Problem 2: 3 rows and 5 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
5 + 5 + 5 = 15
Reasoning: Three rows each with 5 counters.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
3 × 5 = 15
Reasoning: 3 rows of 5.
4. Skip Counting by 5:
5, 10, 15
Reasoning: Keep adding 5.
Problem 3: 4 rows and 3 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
Reasoning: Four rows of 3.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
4 × 3 = 12
Reasoning: 4 rows, 3 per row.
4. Skip Counting by 3:
3, 6, 9, 12
Reasoning: Add 3 each time.
Problem 4: 5 rows and 2 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ●
● ●
● ●
● ●
● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10
Reasoning: Five rows of 2.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
5 × 2 = 10
Reasoning: 5 rows × 2 counters.
4. Skip Counting by 2:
2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Reasoning: Add 2 sequentially.
Problem 5: 6 rows and 3 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
● ● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 18
Reasoning: Six rows of 3.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
6 × 3 = 18
Reasoning: 6 rows multiplied by 3.
4. Skip Counting by 3:
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18
Reasoning: Add 3 each time.
Problem 6: 4 rows and 6 columns
1. Array Drawing:
● ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ●
2. Repeated-Addition Sentence:
6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24
Reasoning: Four rows of 6.
3. Multiplication Sentence:
4 × 6 = 24
Reasoning: 4 rows multiplied by 6 counters.
4. Skip Counting by 6:
6, 12, 18, 24
Reasoning: Add 6 each time.
Use these step-by-step answers to guide grading and to discuss the reasoning behind arrays, repeated addition, and skip counting.
Cool Down
Reflection Cool-Down
**Name: _______________________ Date: _______________
Exit Ticket: Write one new thing you learned today and one question you still have about arrays and multiplication.
1. One new thing I learned today:
2. One question I still have:
Thank you for your reflection! Share your answers with the teacher before you go.