Double Fun Eights Lesson Plan
Double Fun Eights
Lesson Plan • Grade 4 Mathematics
50 MIN
Objective
Students will learn and apply the strategy of doubling 4s facts to solve 8s multiplication problems and extend this strategy to find the area of rectangles, demonstrating improved fluency and conceptual understanding.
Why This Matters
Mastering multiplication facts and understanding area are crucial for future math concepts. This strategy provides an accessible way to tackle 8s facts, making math less intimidating and building number sense.
Teacher Prep
- Review the Double Fun Eights Slides and familiarize yourself with the content flow.
- Print copies of the Area Challenge Worksheet for each student.
- Ensure the projector or smartboard is set up for the slide presentation.
Materials Needed
Projector, Slide Deck, Worksheets, Pencils.
Instructional Sequence
5m
Introduction: The 8s Challenge
Ask students if they find the 8s times tables tricky. Introduce the idea of using what they already know (4s facts) to help them solve 8s. Display the first slide of the deck.
10m
Strategy Explanation: Double Trouble!
Go through the slides explaining the "double the 4s" strategy. Work through examples step-by-step: 1) Solve the 4s fact, 2) Double the answer. Encourage students to share their thinking.
5m
Guided Practice: Let's Double It!
Provide a few more examples for students to try with a partner using the slides. Circulate to check for understanding and reinforce the steps.
5m
Introduction to Area: Space Inside!
Transition to the area concept. Explain that area is the space inside a shape and introduce the formula: Area = Length × Width. Connect this back to multiplication.
15m
Area Practice: Power Up!
Work through the 10 area practice problems in the slide deck as a class. Prompt students to use the doubling strategy whenever an 8 is involved as a factor.
10m
Independent Practice: Area Challenge
Distribute the worksheet. Students complete 6 practice problems independently. Collect for assessment or review as a group.
Direct Instruction & Practice Whole Group / Independent
Double Fun Eights Slides
Math Superstars
Double The Fun! 8s!
Mastering your 8s Times Tables the Easy Way!
Teacher Note: Greet students and ask them how they feel about the 8s times tables. Acknowledge if they find them challenging.
Are The 8s Tricky?
Do you ever find yourself stuck when it comes to multiplying by 8?
What if there was a secret trick to make it easier, using something you already know really well?
Teacher Note: Pose the question to the class. Encourage a brief discussion. Transition into the idea of using what they already know.
The Super Strategy
If you know your 4s times tables, you can solve your 8s!
Just find the 4s fact, and then DOUBLE your answer!
Teacher Note: Introduce the core strategy clearly. Emphasize that knowing 4s facts is the key.
Let's Try One: 8 × 3
1
What is 4 × 3? Answer: 12
2
Now, what is 12 + 12 (or 12 × 2)? Answer: 24
So, 8 × 3 = 24!
Teacher Note: Walk through the first example step-by-step. Write on the board if possible to demonstrate the doubling.
Another Example: 8 × 5
1
What is 4 × 5? Think: four groups of five...
2
Now, double your answer from step 1!
Think: [answer from step 1] + [answer from step 1]...
So, 8 × 5 = ?
Teacher Note: Guide students through this example. Ask for volunteers to provide answers for each step.
Let's Solve It Together!
For 8 × 5:
1. 4 × 5 = 20
2. Double 20 = 40
So, 8 × 5 = 40!
Your Turn!
What is 8 × 7?
Teacher Note: Reveal the answer to the previous slide's example. Then, pose a question for students to work out in pairs or individually.
And The Answer Is...
For 8 × 7:
1. 4 × 7 = 28
2. Double 28 = 56
8 × 7 = 56!
Great job! Now it's time to practice your new skill!
Teacher Note: Review the answer for 8 x 7. Explain that practicing this will make them super speedy.
What is Area?
Area is the amount of space inside a flat shape, like the top of your desk or the floor of our classroom!
We measure area in "square units."
AREA
Inside Space
Teacher Note: Introduce the concept of area. Ask students if they know what area means or where they might have heard the word before.
Finding Area
To find the area of a rectangle, we use a simple formula:
Area = Length × Width
It's just multiplication, like our times tables!
Teacher Note: Present the formula for the area of a rectangle. Emphasize that length and width are multiplied.
Area and Our 4s & 8s Facts!
Sometimes, the length or width of a rectangle will be a 4 or an 8!
This means we can use our awesome 4s facts and our new 'double the 4s' strategy for 8s to find the area quickly!
Teacher Note: Explain how knowing 4s and 8s facts directly helps with area problems.
Area Practice! #1
What is the area of a rectangle that is
4 units long and 6 units wide?
Hint: Area = L × W
Teacher Note: Present the first area practice problem. Guide students to identify length and width, then apply multiplication.
Area Practice! #1 Answer
The Calculation:
Length = 4 units, Width = 6 units
Area = 4 × 6
24 square units
Teacher Note: Reveal the answer and explain the steps. Then, move to the next problem.
Area Practice! #2
A garden plot is 8 feet long and 3 feet wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Present the second area practice problem.
Area Practice! #2 Answer
Length = 8 ft, Width = 3 ft
Strategy: 4 × 3 = 12, then double 12 = 24!
24 square feet
Teacher Note: Reveal the answer and explain the steps, reminding them of the doubling strategy.
Area Practice! #3
A painting is 4 inches long and 9 inches wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Continue with the remaining 8 practice problems, following the pattern of problem then answer.
Area Practice! #3 Answer
Length = 4 in, Width = 9 in
36 square inches
Teacher Note: Answer for #3
Area Practice! #4
A rug is 8 meters long and 5 meters wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #4
Area Practice! #4 Answer
Length = 8 m, Width = 5 m
Strategy: 4 × 5 = 20, then double 20 = 40!
40 square meters
Teacher Note: Answer for #4
Area Practice! #5
A small book cover is 4 cm long and 7 cm wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #5
Area Practice! #5 Answer
Length = 4 cm, Width = 7 cm
28 square cm
Teacher Note: Answer for #5
Area Practice! #6
A chocolate bar is 8 cm long and 4 cm wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #6
Area Practice! #6 Answer
Length = 8 cm, Width = 4 cm
Strategy: 4 × 4 = 16, then double 16 = 32!
32 square cm
Teacher Note: Answer for #6
Area Practice! #7
A window pane is 4 feet long and 8 feet wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #7
Area Practice! #7 Answer
Length = 4 ft, Width = 8 ft
32 square feet
Teacher Note: Answer for #7
Area Practice! #8
A placemat is 8 inches long and 9 inches wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #8
Area Practice! #8 Answer
Length = 8 in, Width = 9 in
Strategy: 4 × 9 = 36, then double 36 = 72!
72 square inches
Teacher Note: Answer for #8
Area Practice! #9
A cutting board is 40 cm long and 8 cm wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #9
Area Practice! #9 Answer
Length = 40 cm, Width = 8 cm
Strategy: 40 × 4 = 160, then double 160 = 320!
320 square cm
Teacher Note: Answer for #9
Area Practice! #10
A large poster is 8 feet long and 10 feet wide. What is its area?
Teacher Note: Area Problem #10
Area Practice! #10 Answer
Length = 8 ft, Width = 10 ft
Strategy: 4 × 10 = 40, then double 40 = 80!
80 square feet
Great work! Now, get ready for your own area challenge!
Teacher Note: Answer for #10
