Lesson Plan
Explore the Associative Property of Multiplication
Use this lesson with your students to allow them to explore the associative property of multiplication by having deep discussions in small groups. Use this as a stand alone lesson or alongside *Associative Property of Multiplication*.
Grade:
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Objectives
Academic
Students will be able to apply the associative property to multiply single-digit factors.
Language
Students will be able to explain the associative property of multiplication with content specific words and phrases using peer supports.
Introduction
(4 minutes)- Invite students to observe you solve a multiplication problem on the board.
- Write and solve a multiplication problem using the associative property of multiplication without thinking aloud about your steps. For example, solve the following problem: 2 x (3 x 5) using just numbers, without explaining your steps. Repeat the same process for (2 x 3) x 5.
- Ask the class what they noticed about the process and the answers. Have them share with a partner before sharing with the whole group. Provide a sentence starter to support sharing, such as "I noticed that ________."
- Explain that there are certain properties of multiplication that help us understand multiplication better. Add that each of the mathematical properties works in a specific way and is used in certain situations.