Lesson Plan
Multiply Magic
Students will understand multiplication as repeated addition and be able to solve basic multiplication problems up to 10x10.
Understanding multiplication is a fundamental skill that helps students solve real-world problems, from sharing items equally to calculating costs, building a strong base for more advanced mathematics.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through interactive slides, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Markers/Whiteboard, Multiply Magic Slide Deck, Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product!, Multiplication Station Reading, Multiplication Mania Worksheet, Discussion: Everyday Multiply!, Array-mazing Activity, Multiply Match Game, Project: My Multiplication Story, Multiplication Story Rubric, and Cool Down: One Minute Multiply!
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Multiply Magic Lesson Plan, Multiply Magic Slide Deck, Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product!, Multiplication Station Reading, Multiplication Mania Worksheet, Discussion: Everyday Multiply!, Array-mazing Activity, Multiply Match Game, Project: My Multiplication Story, Multiplication Story Rubric, Cool Down: One Minute Multiply!.
- Print copies of the Multiplication Mania Worksheet (one per student).
- Prepare materials for Array-mazing Activity (e.g., small counters, square tiles).
- Set up the Multiply Match Game cards (print and cut).
- Ensure projector/smartboard is ready for the Multiply Magic Slide Deck.
Step 1
Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product!
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product! to activate prior knowledge of repeated addition.
- Display the warm-up questions on the board or distribute them if printed.
- Facilitate a brief discussion on student answers, connecting repeated addition to groups.
Step 2
Introduction to Multiplication
10 minutes
- Use the Multiply Magic Slide Deck (Slides 1-3) to introduce multiplication as a faster way to do repeated addition.
- Read through the Multiplication Station Reading aloud or have students read it independently.
- Explain key vocabulary: factors, product, groups of, times.
- Use visual examples from the slides to illustrate the concept.
Step 3
Guided Practice: Array-mazing Activity
15 minutes
- Transition to the Array-mazing Activity.
- Provide students with counters or tiles to build arrays based on given multiplication problems.
- Circulate and provide support, encouraging students to explain their arrays in terms of repeated addition.
- Have students share their arrays and explain their solutions to the class.
Step 4
Independent Practice: Multiplication Mania Worksheet
10 minutes
- Distribute the Multiplication Mania Worksheet for independent practice.
- Remind students to use the strategies discussed (repeated addition, arrays) to solve the problems.
- Collect worksheets for assessment or review as a class, using the Multiplication Mania Answer Key.
Step 5
Discussion: Everyday Multiply!
5 minutes
- Facilitate the Discussion: Everyday Multiply! to connect multiplication to real-world scenarios.
- Ask students for examples of when they might use multiplication outside of school.
- Briefly introduce the Project: My Multiplication Story and the Multiplication Story Rubric as a take-home or extended activity, if time permits.
Step 6
Cool Down: One Minute Multiply!
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down: One Minute Multiply! exit ticket.
- Students quickly answer a multiplication problem or summarize what they learned.
- Collect cool-downs to gauge understanding.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Welcome to Multiply Magic!
Get ready to explore a super cool math trick!
Welcome students and get them ready to learn about a new math concept!
What is Repeated Addition?
Remember when we added the same number over and over?
- Example: 2 + 2 + 2 = 6
- Example: 5 + 5 = 10
Start by reminding students about repeated addition. Ask for examples.
Multiplication: A Speedy Shortcut!
Multiplication is a super-fast way to do repeated addition!
Instead of 2 + 2 + 2, we can say 3 groups of 2.
Or even better: 3 times 2.
Introduce multiplication as a shortcut for repeated addition. Use simple language and visuals.
The Multiplication Sign (x)
The 'x' symbol means 'times' or 'groups of'.
So, 3 x 2 means '3 groups of 2' or '3 times 2'.
And the answer is still 6!
Explain the multiplication symbol and how to read a multiplication sentence.
Key Words: Factors & Product
- The numbers you multiply are called factors.
- The answer to a multiplication problem is called the product.
Example: In 3 x 2 = 6,
3 and 2 are the factors.
6 is the product.
Introduce the terms 'factors' and 'product'. Use an example.
Visualizing Multiplication: Arrays!
An array is a way to arrange objects in rows and columns.
It helps us see multiplication!
Example: 3 x 4 means 3 rows of 4.
⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜
How many squares total? 12! So, 3 x 4 = 12.
Show how arrays can represent multiplication. Guide students through building an array if they have manipulatives.
Let's Practice Arrays!
Build or draw these arrays:
- 2 x 5 (2 rows of 5)
- 4 x 3 (4 rows of 3)
What are the products?
Provide a few practice problems using arrays.
Multiply in Real Life!
Where do you see multiplication in your everyday life?
Think about:
- Sharing snacks
- Buying things
- Counting groups of objects
Transition to the discussion and real-world applications.
You're a Multiplication Master!
Great job today, mathematicians!
You've learned how multiplication makes counting groups faster and easier.
Keep practicing, and you'll be multiplying like pros!
Conclude the lesson and prepare for the cool-down.
Warm Up
Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product!
Instructions: Think about adding groups of things. Answer the questions below.
1. You have 3 friends, and each friend has 2 apples. How many apples are there in total?
Show your work using repeated addition:
2. There are 4 tables in the classroom, and 5 students are sitting at each table. How many students are there in total?
Show your work using repeated addition:
3. If you have 2 bags, and each bag has 6 candies. How many candies do you have in all?
Show your work using repeated addition:
Bonus Question! Can you think of a faster way to count large groups like these?
Script
Multiplication Magic Script
(Warm Up: 5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, mathematicians! Let's get our brains warmed up. Take a look at the Warm Up: Row, Row, Row Your Product! on your desks or on the board. I want you to solve these problems by thinking about adding groups of things. Remember our repeated addition?"
(Allow students a few minutes to complete the warm-up. Circulate and observe.)
Teacher: "Alright, who would like to share their answer for question 1? How many apples?"
(Call on a student. Guide them to explain 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.)
Teacher: "Excellent! And for question 2, the students at the tables?"
(Call on a student. Guide them to explain 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20.)
Teacher: "Fantastic! Now, the bonus question. Did anyone think of a faster way to count these large groups instead of adding over and over?"
(Listen for responses. Validate any mentions of 'times' or 'groups of'.)
(Introduction to Multiplication: 10 minutes - Refer to Multiply Magic Slide Deck Slides 1-5)
Teacher: "That's a perfect lead-in to what we're learning today! Today, we're going to unlock some 'Multiply Magic' and discover a super-fast math trick!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 1)
Teacher: "As you saw in our warm-up, sometimes we add the same number many times. It works, but it can take a while, especially with big numbers!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 2)
Teacher: "What if I told you there's a mathematical shortcut for repeated addition? It's called multiplication!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 3)
Teacher: "Multiplication is a way of combining equal groups. Instead of saying '2 + 2 + 2', we can say '3 groups of 2'. Or, in math language, '3 times 2'. And the answer, or the product, is still 6!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 4)
Teacher: "The symbol we use for multiplication looks like an 'x'. It means 'times' or 'groups of'. So, 3 x 2 is read as '3 times 2'."
Teacher: "Let's learn some important words. In a multiplication problem like 3 x 2 = 6, the numbers you multiply, 3 and 2, are called factors. The answer, 6, is called the product."
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 5)
Teacher: "Now, let's read about this more in our Multiplication Station Reading."
(Distribute or display the reading. Read it aloud, or have students read quietly/in pairs.)
(Guided Practice: Array-mazing Activity: 15 minutes - Refer to Multiply Magic Slide Deck Slide 6-7)
Teacher: "One fantastic way to see multiplication is with something called an array! An array is when we arrange things in neat rows and columns. It helps us understand groups."
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 6)
Teacher: "Let's try one together. If we have 3 x 4, that means 3 rows of 4. Imagine 3 lines of 4 dots each. How many dots total?"
(Draw on the board or use virtual manipulatives.)
Teacher: "Now it's your turn! Get your counters or tiles ready for our Array-mazing Activity! I want you to build or draw arrays for these problems: 2 x 5 and 4 x 3. Once you've built them, figure out the product!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 7. Circulate, help students, and encourage them to explain their arrays and products.)
Teacher: "Who wants to share their array for 2 x 5? How did you build it, and what product did you find?"
(Discuss student responses.)
Teacher: "Great job with arrays! They are a powerful tool for understanding multiplication."
(Independent Practice: Multiplication Mania Worksheet: 10 minutes)
Teacher: "You're all doing wonderfully! Now it's time to show what you know. I'm handing out the Multiplication Mania Worksheet. Use what we've learned about repeated addition and arrays to solve these problems. If you get stuck, try drawing a picture!"
(Distribute worksheets. Monitor students and offer help as needed. Collect when time is up.)
(Discussion: Everyday Multiply! 5 minutes - Refer to Multiply Magic Slide Deck Slide 8)
Teacher: "Let's think about where multiplication lives outside of our math class. Where do you see multiplication in your everyday life? Think about snacks, shopping, or anything with groups!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 8. Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging varied examples.)
Teacher: "Those are fantastic examples! Multiplication is everywhere once you start looking. For an extra challenge at home, or if we have more time, check out the Project: My Multiplication Story and the Multiplication Story Rubric."
(Cool Down: One Minute Multiply! 5 minutes)
Teacher: "Alright, mathematicians, it's time for our 'One Minute Multiply' Cool Down! On your exit ticket, I want you to answer one quick multiplication problem or tell me one new thing you learned about multiplication today. This will help me see what stuck with you!"
(Distribute cool-down slips. Collect them as students finish.)
Teacher: "Excellent work today, everyone! You've officially started your journey into the world of multiplication!"
(Advance to Multiply Magic Slide Deck - Slide 9)
Reading
Multiplication Station: A Fast Way to Count!
Hello, young mathematicians! Today, we're going to learn about a super cool math tool called multiplication. It's like a shortcut for something you already know how to do!
What is Repeated Addition?
Imagine you have 3 bags, and each bag has 4 shiny marbles. If you want to know how many marbles you have in total, you could add them up: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 marbles. This is called repeated addition because you are adding the same number over and over again.
Enter Multiplication!
Multiplication is a faster, fancier way to do repeated addition. Instead of writing 4 + 4 + 4, we can say "3 groups of 4." Or, even better, we can say "3 times 4." Both of these mean the same thing: you have 3 groups, and there are 4 things in each group.
We use a special sign for multiplication: it looks like an "x". So, "3 times 4" can be written as 3 x 4.
Factors and Product
When we do multiplication, the numbers we multiply together are called factors. In our example, 3 and 4 are the factors. The answer we get is called the product. So, for 3 x 4 = 12, the number 12 is the product.
Let's look at another example:
You have 2 plates, and each plate has 5 cookies. How many cookies in all?
- Repeated Addition: 5 + 5 = 10
- Multiplication: 2 groups of 5, or 2 times 5
- Equation: 2 x 5 = 10
Here, 2 and 5 are the factors, and 10 is the product.
Multiplication helps us count things quickly when they are in equal groups. Keep practicing, and you'll become a multiplication master!
Activity
Array-mazing Activity!
Instructions: Use your counters or draw dots/squares to create arrays for the multiplication problems below. Then, write the multiplication equation and the product.
What is an Array?
An array is a way to arrange objects in neat rows and columns. It helps us see equal groups!
Problem 1: 2 x 5
-
This means 2 rows of 5.
-
Draw your array here:
-
What is the product?
Problem 2: 4 x 3
-
This means 4 rows of 3.
-
Draw your array here:
-
What is the product?
Problem 3: 3 x 6
-
This means 3 rows of 6.
-
Draw your array here:
-
What is the product?
Problem 4: 5 x 2
-
This means 5 rows of 2.
-
Draw your array here:
-
What is the product?
Worksheet
Multiplication Mania!
Instructions: Solve the following multiplication problems. Remember, multiplication is like repeated addition! You can draw pictures or use arrays to help you.
Part 1: Repeated Addition to Multiplication
Write each repeated addition problem as a multiplication problem and find the product.
-
5 + 5 + 5 =
Multiplication: -
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 =
Multiplication: -
10 + 10 =
Multiplication: -
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 =
Multiplication:
Part 2: Solve the Multiplication!
Solve these multiplication problems.
-
4 x 2 =
-
3 x 5 =
-
6 x 1 =
-
7 x 0 =
-
2 x 8 =
-
5 x 5 =
Part 3: Draw an Array!
Draw an array for each multiplication problem and then write the product.
-
3 x 4 =
Draw your array here:
Product: -
2 x 6 =
Draw your array here:
Product:
Answer Key
Multiplication Mania Answer Key!
Instructions: Review the answers and the thought process for each problem.
Part 1: Repeated Addition to Multiplication
-
5 + 5 + 5 = 15
- Thought Process: There are 3 groups of the number 5. So, this can be written as 3 times 5.
- Multiplication: 3 x 5 = 15
-
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8
- Thought Process: There are 4 groups of the number 2. So, this can be written as 4 times 2.
- Multiplication: 4 x 2 = 8
-
10 + 10 = 20
- Thought Process: There are 2 groups of the number 10. So, this can be written as 2 times 10.
- Multiplication: 2 x 10 = 20
-
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15
- Thought Process: There are 5 groups of the number 3. So, this can be written as 5 times 3.
- Multiplication: 5 x 3 = 15
Part 2: Solve the Multiplication!
-
4 x 2 = 8
- Thought Process: This means 4 groups of 2. (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8)
-
3 x 5 = 15
- Thought Process: This means 3 groups of 5. (5 + 5 + 5 = 15)
-
6 x 1 = 6
- Thought Process: Any number multiplied by 1 is that number. This means 6 groups of 1. (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6)
-
7 x 0 = 0
- Thought Process: Any number multiplied by 0 is 0. This means 7 groups of 0, which is nothing.
-
2 x 8 = 16
- Thought Process: This means 2 groups of 8. (8 + 8 = 16)
-
5 x 5 = 25
- Thought Process: This means 5 groups of 5. (5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25)
Part 3: Draw an Array!
-
3 x 4 = 12
- Thought Process: Draw 3 rows with 4 items in each row.
- Array Example:
⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜ - Product: 12
-
2 x 6 = 12
- Thought Process: Draw 2 rows with 6 items in each row.
- Array Example:
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ - Product: 12
Game
Multiply Match Game!
Instructions: Cut out the cards below. Work with a partner or small group to match each multiplication problem card with its correct product card!
Game Cards (Cut along the dotted lines)
Multiplication Problem Cards:
-
2 x 3
-
-
4 x 5
-
-
3 x 3
-
-
5 x 2
-
-
6 x 4
-
-
7 x 1
-
Product Cards:
-
6
-
-
20
-
-
9
-
-
10
-
-
24
-
-
7
-
Project Guide
Project: My Multiplication Story
Objective: Create a short story or scenario that clearly demonstrates a multiplication problem in a real-world context.
Instructions:
-
Brainstorm: Think about a situation where you would need to count equal groups. This could be anything from sharing snacks, arranging toys, organizing books, or seeing groups of animals.
-
Write Your Story: Write a short story (3-5 sentences) that includes:
- Characters (people, animals, objects)
- A clear setting (where your story happens)
- A problem that can be solved using multiplication.
-
Show the Math: In your story, clearly state the multiplication problem. Then, show how you would solve it using either:
- Repeated addition (e.g., 2 + 2 + 2 = 6)
- An array (drawing rows and columns)
- The multiplication equation (e.g., 3 x 2 = 6)
-
Illustrate (Optional but Encouraged!): Draw a picture that goes along with your story and helps show the multiplication problem. This could be an array, the groups you're counting, or your characters.
Example Story Idea:
Lily loves to bake cookies. She made 4 batches of cookies, and each batch had 6 cookies. How many cookies did Lily make in total?
Multiplication: 4 x 6 = 24 cookies
Repeated Addition: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24
Array: (Draw 4 rows of 6 cookies)
Your Story Here:
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Rubric
Multiplication Story Rubric
Student Name: ________________________
Project: My Multiplication Story
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent | 3 - Good | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story Content | Story is clear, creative, and fully describes a real-world multiplication scenario. All required elements (characters, setting, problem) are present and well-developed. | Story is clear and describes a real-world multiplication scenario. Most required elements are present. | Story is somewhat clear but lacks detail or some required elements are missing. | Story is unclear or does not address the prompt. |
| Multiplication Problem | The multiplication problem is clearly stated and perfectly matches the story. | The multiplication problem is stated and generally matches the story. | The multiplication problem is stated but has minor inconsistencies with the story. | The multiplication problem is missing or incorrect. |
| Showing the Math | Shows the solution using repeated addition, an array, AND the multiplication equation, all correctly. | Shows the solution using repeated addition, an array, OR the multiplication equation, all correctly. | Shows the solution using one method with minor errors, or two methods with errors. | The math solution is missing or incorrect. |
| Illustration | Illustration is detailed, colorful, and clearly represents the multiplication problem in the story. | Illustration is present and generally represents the story and problem. | Illustration is simple or has some inaccuracies in representing the story/problem. | No illustration or illustration does not relate to the story. |
| Neatness & Effort | Project is exceptionally neat, well-organized, and shows great effort. | Project is neat and organized, showing good effort. | Project is somewhat neat or organized, showing some effort. | Project is messy, unorganized, and shows little effort. |
Teacher Comments:
Total Score: ______ / 20
Cool Down
Cool Down: One Minute Multiply!
Instructions: Quickly answer one of the questions below. This is your exit ticket for today's lesson!
Option A: Solve It!
What is the product of 3 x 4?
Show your work using repeated addition or by drawing an array:
Option B: Explain It!
In your own words, what is one new thing you learned about multiplication today?
How do you think multiplication will help you in real life?
Discussion
Discussion: Everyday Multiply!
Instructions: Let's think about how multiplication is used in our daily lives. Share your ideas with the class and listen to your classmates' examples.
Discussion Questions:
-
Can you think of a time when you or someone you know had to count groups of things? How could multiplication have made it faster?
-
Imagine you're at the store. What are some things you might buy where you'd use multiplication to figure out the total cost or amount?
-
Think about snacks or toys. If you want to share them equally among your friends, how does multiplication (or division, which is related!) help you know how many each person gets?
-
Look around our classroom. Can you spot any arrays or equal groups of objects where you could use multiplication to count them quickly? Describe what you see!
-
Why do you think it's important to learn multiplication? How do you think it will help you in the future?
Game
Multiply Match Game!
Instructions: Cut out the cards below. Work with a partner or small group to match each multiplication problem card with its correct product card!
Game Cards (Cut along the dotted lines)
Multiplication Problem Cards:
-
2 x 3
-
-
4 x 5
-
-
3 x 3
-
-
5 x 2
-
-
6 x 4
-
-
7 x 1
-
Product Cards:
-
6
-
-
20
-
-
9
-
-
10
-
-
24
-
-
7
-
Project Guide
Project: My Multiplication Story
Objective: Create a short story or scenario that clearly demonstrates a multiplication problem in a real-world context.
Instructions:
-
Brainstorm: Think about a situation where you would need to count equal groups. This could be anything from sharing snacks, arranging toys, organizing books, or seeing groups of animals.
-
Write Your Story: Write a short story (3-5 sentences) that includes:
- Characters (people, animals, objects)
- A clear setting (where your story happens)
- A problem that can be solved using multiplication.
-
Show the Math: In your story, clearly state the multiplication problem. Then, show how you would solve it using either:
- Repeated addition (e.g., 2 + 2 + 2 = 6)
- An array (drawing rows and columns)
- The multiplication equation (e.g., 3 x 2 = 6)
-
Illustrate (Optional but Encouraged!): Draw a picture that goes along with your story and helps show the multiplication problem. This could be an array, the groups you're counting, or your characters.
Example Story Idea:
Lily loves to bake cookies. She made 4 batches of cookies, and each batch had 6 cookies. How many cookies did Lily make in total?
Multiplication: 4 x 6 = 24 cookies
Repeated Addition: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24
Array: (Draw 4 rows of 6 cookies)
Your Story Here:
<label for=
Project Guide
Project: My Multiplication Story
Objective: Create a short story or scenario that clearly demonstrates a multiplication problem in a real-world context.
Instructions:
-
Brainstorm: Think about a situation where you would need to count equal groups. This could be anything from sharing snacks, arranging toys, organizing books, or seeing groups of animals.
-
Write Your Story: Write a short story (3-5 sentences) that includes:
- Characters (people, animals, objects)
- A clear setting (where your story happens)
- A problem that can be solved using multiplication.
-
Show the Math: In your story, clearly state the multiplication problem. Then, show how you would solve it using either:
- Repeated addition (e.g., 2 + 2 + 2 = 6)
- An array (drawing rows and columns)
- The multiplication equation (e.g., 3 x 2 = 6)
-
Illustrate (Optional but Encouraged!): Draw a picture that goes along with your story and helps show the multiplication problem. This could be an array, the groups you're counting, or your characters.
Example Story Idea:
Lily loves to bake cookies. She made 4 batches of cookies, and each batch had 6 cookies. How many cookies did Lily make in total?
Multiplication: 4 x 6 = 24 cookies
Repeated Addition: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24
Array: (Draw 4 rows of 6 cookies)
Your Story Here:
'The user wants me to generate a lesson on multiplication for 3rd graders (Tier 1, 45 minutes). I need to create the following materials: Lesson Plan, Slide Deck, Script, Worksheet, Reading, Discussion, Activity, Game, Project, Rubric, Warm Up, Cool Down. I have already set up the creation and added the Lesson Plan, Slide Deck, Warm Up, Script, Reading, Activity, and Worksheet. I also added the Answer Key for the worksheet. I will now add the remaining materials as per the plan: Discussion, Project, Rubric, Game, and Cool Down. The next material to add is the Game, as it was listed in the lesson plan's materials. I will then add the Project, Rubric, and Cool Down. I need to make sure the game is engaging and relevant to multiplication. I will add a simple 'Multiply Match Game' where students match multiplication problems to their products. Then Project and Rubric as take-home assignments or extended activities as stated in the script and lesson plan for when there's more time. Lastly Cool Down. After all materials are added, I will send a final message to the user for feedback.
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