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Word Problem Wizardry: 3s & 6s!

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Lesson Plan

Word Problem Wizardry: 3s & 6s!

Students will be able to identify keywords for multiplication and division in one-step word problems and solve problems involving multiples of 3s and 6s.

Understanding keywords helps students translate word problems into mathematical equations, a critical skill for real-world problem-solving and higher-level math.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application with differentiated worksheets.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

The Keyword Challenge (5 minutes)

  • Begin by asking students: "Have you ever read a math problem and thought, 'What am I even supposed to do here?' Today, we're going to become 'Word Problem Wizards' by learning to spot secret clues – keywords!"
  • Introduce the objective and explain why identifying keywords is important for solving problems accurately.
  • Display the first few slides of the Word Problem Wizardry Slide Deck to set the stage.

Step 2

Keyword Exploration (Multiplication)

8 minutes

Hunting for Multiplication Clues (8 minutes)

  • Use the Word Problem Wizardry Slide Deck to introduce common multiplication keywords (e.g., 'each group of,' 'total of,' 'altogether,' 'times,' 'product').
  • Go through example word problems on the slides, guiding students to identify the keywords and explain why they indicate multiplication. Focus on problems involving multiples of 3s and 6s.
  • Model how to set up the multiplication equation.

Step 3

Keyword Exploration (Division)

7 minutes

Decoding Division Secrets (7 minutes)

  • Transition to division keywords using the Word Problem Wizardry Slide Deck (e.g., 'share equally,' 'divide,' 'group into,' 'each,' 'quotient').
  • Present example word problems, guiding students to find division keywords and explain their reasoning. Again, emphasize problems with multiples of 3s and 6s.
  • Model setting up the division equation.

Step 4

Guided Practice & Worksheet Introduction

5 minutes

Putting on Your Wizard Hat (5 minutes)

  • Distribute the Keyword Quest Worksheet.
  • Work through the first two problems together as a class, encouraging students to actively participate in identifying keywords and choosing the correct operation.
  • Explain that students will then complete the remaining problems independently, focusing on finding those keywords and solving using 3s and 6s.

Step 5

Independent Practice & Wrap-up

5 minutes

Solo Spell Casting (5 minutes)

  • Students work independently on the Keyword Quest Worksheet. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
  • For early finishers, have them begin the 3s & 6s Practice Worksheet or quietly review their work.
    - Briefly review 1-2 problems from the Keyword Quest Worksheet before the end of class, asking students to share the keywords they found and their solutions.
  • Emphasize the importance of keywords for understanding what a problem is asking.
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Slide Deck

Welcome, Word Problem Wizards!

Ever feel confused by word problems?

Today, we'll find the secret clues – KEYWORDS – that tell us what to do!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of becoming 'Word Problem Wizards.' Emphasize that math problems often have clues hidden in the words.

What are Keywords?

Keywords are like secret hints in a word problem.

They tell you which operation to use to solve the problem!

Today, we're focusing on Multiplication and Division!

Explain that keywords are special words that act like hints. They tell us whether to multiply, divide, add, or subtract. Today, we focus on multiplication and division.

Multiplication Keywords: Grow It!

Look for words that mean combining equal groups or finding a total.

  • Each group of
  • Total
  • Altogether
  • Times
  • Product
  • In all
  • Doubled, Tripled (etc.)

Introduce common multiplication keywords. Give simple examples for each to solidify understanding. Students can repeat the keywords aloud.

Let's Practice: Multiplication

Problem 1:

Sarah has 3 boxes of cookies. Each box has 6 cookies. How many cookies does Sarah have in all?



Keyword?

Operation?

Solution?

(3 x 6 = 18 cookies)

Read the problem aloud. Ask students to identify the keyword(s) and explain why it indicates multiplication. Then, have them help solve it. "What is 6 groups of 3?" (18)

Another Multiplication Practice

Problem 2:

A farmer plants 4 rows of apple trees. There are 6 trees in each row. How many apple trees are there altogether?



Keyword?

Operation?

Solution?

(4 x 6 = 24 apple trees)

Read the problem. Ask for keywords. Guide them to the solution. "What is 4 times 6?" (24)

Division Keywords: Share It!

Look for words that mean splitting a total into equal parts.

  • Share equally
  • Divide
  • Group into
  • Each (when referring to how many in each group after sharing)
  • Quotient
  • Split
  • Distribute

Transition to division keywords. Explain that these words mean splitting things up or sharing equally. Provide examples.

Let's Practice: Division

Problem 1:

There are 18 stickers to be shared equally among 3 friends. How many stickers does each friend get?



Keyword?

Operation?

Solution?

(18 \u00f7 3 = 6 stickers)

Read the problem. Ask students to identify the keyword(s) and explain why it indicates division. Then, have them help solve it. "What is 18 divided by 3?" (6)

Another Division Practice

Problem 2:

A baker made 30 cupcakes. She wants to group them into boxes of 6. How many boxes will she need?



Keyword?

Operation?

Solution?

(30 \u00f7 6 = 5 boxes)

Read the problem. Ask for keywords. Guide them to the solution. "What is 30 divided by 6?" (5)

Your Turn, Wizards!

Now it's time to put your keyword detective skills to the test!

I'll hand out your Keyword Quest Worksheet.

Remember to:

  1. Read carefully.
  2. Circle or highlight the keywords.
  3. Decide the operation (x or \u00f7).
  4. Solve the problem!

Good luck, Wizards!

Explain that now students will work on their own worksheet to practice finding keywords and solving problems. Remind them to look for those important clues!

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Worksheet

Keyword Quest Worksheet: 3s & 6s Challenges!

Instructions: Read each word problem carefully. Circle or underline the keywords that tell you whether to multiply or divide. Then, write the operation you would use (x or ÷) and solve the problem. Show your work!

  1. There are 5 groups of students, and each group has 3 pencils. How many pencils are there in all?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. Maria has 24 candies that she wants to share equally among her 6 friends. How many candies does each friend get?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. A baker bakes 7 trays of muffins. Each tray holds 6 muffins. What is the total number of muffins baked?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. A teacher has 18 crayons and needs to group them into sets of 3 for art class. How many sets of crayons can she make?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. A garden has 9 rows of flowers, with 6 flowers in each row. How many flowers are there altogether?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. Leo collected 36 seashells and wants to divide them equally into 6 buckets. How many seashells will be in each bucket?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. There are 8 birdhouses, and each birdhouse has 3 birds living in it. How many birds are there in total?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. Mrs. Davis has 30 stickers to distribute among 3 students. How many stickers does each student receive?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. A factory produces 10 batches of toys. Each batch contains 6 toys. What is the product of the toys produced?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





  1. Kevin bought 12 apples and wants to group them into bags of 3. How many bags of apples can he make?

    Keywords:



    Operation:



    Solution:





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Worksheet

3s & 6s Practice Worksheet: Sharpen Your Skills!

Instructions: Solve each multiplication and division problem. Show your work!

Multiplication Practice

  1. 3 x 4 =


  2. 6 x 5 =


  3. 3 x 7 =


  4. 6 x 2 =


  5. 3 x 9 =


  6. 6 x 8 =


  7. 3 x 10 =


  8. 6 x 1 =


  9. 3 x 0 =


  10. 6 x 6 =


Division Practice

  1. 12 ÷ 3 =


  2. 30 ÷ 6 =


  3. 21 ÷ 3 =


  4. 12 ÷ 6 =


  5. 27 ÷ 3 =


  6. 48 ÷ 6 =


  7. 30 ÷ 3 =


  8. 6 ÷ 6 =


  9. 0 ÷ 3 =


  10. 36 ÷ 6 =


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Answer Key

Answer Key: Word Problem Wizardry & 3s & 6s Challenges!

Keyword Quest Worksheet Answers

  1. There are 5 groups of students, and each group has 3 pencils. How many pencils are there in all?

    • Keywords: "each group has", "in all"
    • Operation: Multiplication (x)
    • Solution: 5 x 3 = 15 pencils

  2. Maria has 24 candies that she wants to share equally among her 6 friends. How many candies does each friend get?

    • Keywords: "share equally", "each friend get"
    • Operation: Division (÷)
    • Solution: 24 ÷ 6 = 4 candies

  3. A baker bakes 7 trays of muffins. Each tray holds 6 muffins. What is the total number of muffins baked?

    • Keywords: "Each tray holds", "total number"
    • Operation: Multiplication (x)
    • Solution: 7 x 6 = 42 muffins

  4. A teacher has 18 crayons and needs to group them into sets of 3 for art class. How many sets of crayons can she make?

    • Keywords: "group them into sets of", "sets"
    • Operation: Division (÷)
    • Solution: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 sets

  5. A garden has 9 rows of flowers, with 6 flowers in each row. How many flowers are there altogether?

    • Keywords: "each row", "altogether"
    • Operation: Multiplication (x)
    • Solution: 9 x 6 = 54 flowers

  6. Leo collected 36 seashells and wants to divide them equally into 6 buckets. How many seashells will be in each bucket?

    • Keywords: "divide them equally", "in each bucket"
    • Operation: Division (÷)
    • Solution: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 seashells

  7. There are 8 birdhouses, and each birdhouse has 3 birds living in it. How many birds are there in total?

    • Keywords: "each birdhouse has", "in total"
    • Operation: Multiplication (x)
    • Solution: 8 x 3 = 24 birds

  8. Mrs. Davis has 30 stickers to distribute among 3 students. How many stickers does each student receive?

    • Keywords: "distribute among", "each student receive"
    • Operation: Division (÷)
    • Solution: 30 ÷ 3 = 10 stickers

  9. A factory produces 10 batches of toys. Each batch contains 6 toys. What is the product of the toys produced?

    • Keywords: "Each batch contains", "product"
    • Operation: Multiplication (x)
    • Solution: 10 x 6 = 60 toys

  10. Kevin bought 12 apples and wants to group them into bags of 3. How many bags of apples can he make?

    • Keywords: "group them into bags of"
    • Operation: Division (÷)
    • Solution: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 bags

3s & 6s Practice Worksheet Answers

Multiplication Practice

  1. 3 x 4 = 12
  2. 6 x 5 = 30
  3. 3 x 7 = 21
  4. 6 x 2 = 12
  5. 3 x 9 = 27
  6. 6 x 8 = 48
  7. 3 x 10 = 30
  8. 6 x 1 = 6
  9. 3 x 0 = 0
  10. 6 x 6 = 36

Division Practice

  1. 12 ÷ 3 = 4
  2. 30 ÷ 6 = 5
  3. 21 ÷ 3 = 7
  4. 12 ÷ 6 = 2
  5. 27 ÷ 3 = 9
  6. 48 ÷ 6 = 8
  7. 30 ÷ 3 = 10
  8. 6 ÷ 6 = 1
  9. 0 ÷ 3 = 0
  10. 36 ÷ 6 = 6
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