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Lesson Plan

Distributive Property

Teach your students to recognize and use the distributive property of multiplication.
Need extra help for EL students? Try the Justifying the Distributive Property pre-lesson.
Grade:
Fourth Grade
View aligned standards
4.NBT.B.5
Need extra help for EL students? Try the Justifying the Distributive Property pre-lesson.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to apply the distributive property of multiplication.

Introduction

(5 minutes)
  • Ask students what the word "distribute" means. Use it in a sentence (e.g., "A teacher will distribute your homework at the end of the day."). Then give students a moment to discuss the word with peers.
  • Call on a few students to give a definition for the word distribute and then develop a meaning with the class (i.e., pass out or give shares of something).
  • On the board, draw a quick picture to illustrate the word (i.e., draw a page of homework with arrows pointing from it to multiple students).
  • Explain, "Today we are going to explore the distributive property of multiplication."
  • Write the name of the property on the board and underline the word "distributive."

Beginning

  • Place students with a supportive peer, preferably one who speaks the same home language (L1), to discuss the meaning of "distribute."

Intermediate

  • Have students repeat or rephrase the meaning of "distribute" after you define it.
  • Give students additional examples of the word "distributing" such as handing out pencils or apples to students.