Equal Groups Lesson Guide Lesson 1 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Equal Groups Multiplication Guide
Focus Strategy: Modeling multiplication as repeated addition and equal groups using concrete counters.
Learning Target
I can make equal groups and write a multiplication equation like \(3 \times 4 = 12\) to find the total.
Manipulatives & Tools
Counters/chips, sorting cups or paper plates, dry-erase dice (1-6), and student exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: Concrete Modeling (7 Min)
Whole Group • Low Floor
Routine: Present prompt: "Leo has 3 bags. Each bag has 4 apples. How many apples in all?" Students place 3 paper plates (groups) and place 4 counters onto each plate.
Prompts: "How many groups?" (3) "How many in each group?" (4) "What is the repeated addition?" (4 + 4 + 4 = 12).
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Circles and Stars Game (15 Min)
Pairs / Stations
Game Rules: Student A rolls die #1 to draw that many big circles (number of groups). Student B rolls die #2 to draw that many stars/dots inside each circle (size of each group). Partners verbalize together: "__ groups of __ equals __" and record the equation: \((\text{circles}) \times (\text{stars}) = \text{total}\).
SpEd Modification: Limit dice to values 1–4 for students needing smaller numbers. Provide tactile counters to place inside drawn rings before writing numbers.
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Summarize the big idea: Multiplication is a quick way to count equal groups. Distribute the Equal Groups Exit Ticket to assess individual understanding with visual scaffolding.
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Visual Cues: Color-code the number of groups in blue and the group size in purple.
• Verbal Stem: Provide sentence strip: "There are ___ groups with ___ in each group."
Equal Groups Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 1
Equal Groups Multiplication
Goal: Count equal groups
1
Look at the equal groups. Fill in the blanks below.
• • • •
Group 1
• • • •
Group 2
• • • •
Group 3
There are equal groups.
Each group has dots.
Repeated Addition: + + =
Multiplication Equation: × =
2
Draw a model to match: 2 groups of 5
Equation: × =
How do you feel about equal groups today? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Circles Stars Game Board Player 1: ____________________ Player 2: ____________________
Partner Math Game
Circles and Stars Game Mat
Rule: Roll Groups × Roll Stars
1 Roll Die 1 → Draw Circles
2 Roll Die 2 → Draw Stars Inside
3 Multiply & Record Total!
Drawing & Counter Area (Round Mats) Place real counters or draw with dry-erase marker
Group 1
Draw stars or place counters here
Plate A
Group 2
Draw stars or place counters here
Plate B
Group 3
Draw stars or place counters here
Plate C
Group 4
Draw stars or place counters here
Plate D
Game Scoreboard & Fact Record Write your equation for each turn
Round Die 1 (Groups) Die 2 (Stars) Repeated Addition Multiplication Fact Total Points 1 2 3
Tip: Whoever has the largest total product at the end of 3 rounds wins! ★ Strategy Champion Game ★
Fair Share Lesson Guide Lesson 2 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Fair Share Division Guide
Focus Strategy: Partitioning a whole total into equal groups by dealing out items one by one.
Learning Target
I can share a total number of items equally among groups and write a division equation like \(12 \div 3 = 4\).
Manipulatives & Tools
15-20 counting tokens per student, 3-4 sorting bowls/circles, number cards, exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: Hands-On Sharing (7 Min)
Whole Group • Concrete
Story Prompt: "We have 12 cookies. We want to share them equally with 3 friends. How many cookies does each friend get?"
Teacher models dealing items: "One for you, one for you, one for you..." until all 12 are shared. Emphasize: Fair share means everyone gets the EXACT same amount!
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Cookie Jar Fair Share (15 Min)
Partner Activity
Game Rules: Player 1 draws a "Total Cookies" card (e.g., 8, 10, 12, 15). Player 2 rolls a die to see how many friends (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5). Together, they deal counters into the friend circles until the total is gone. Both students chant the division sentence: "Total \(\div\) Groups = Fair Share!" and write \(12 \div 3 = 4\).
SpEd Scaffold: If division results in remainders during free play, use pre-screened cards with friendly numbers (e.g., 6 into 2, 8 into 4, 12 into 3).
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Connect division back to multiplication: Yesterday we built groups to find the total; today we start with the total and split it into equal shares! Distribute Fair Share Exit Ticket .
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Tactile Support: Use egg cartons or muffin tins as concrete partition trays.
• Symbol Cue: Highlight the division symbol \(\div\) with a two-dot gesture showing two items split by a line.
Fair Share Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 2
Fair Share Division
Goal: Share equally into groups
1
Share 12 counters equally into 3 bowls .
Bowl A
4 items
Bowl B
4 items
Bowl C
4 items
Total items to share: 12
Number of equal groups:
Each bowl receives: counters.
Division Equation: ÷ =
2
There are 10 stickers shared equally between 2 students .
Student 1
Student 2
Equation: ÷ =
How do you feel about equal sharing division? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Array Architects Lesson Guide Lesson 3 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Array Architects Lesson Guide
Focus Strategy: Building structured rows (across) and columns (up/down) to organize multiplication facts.
Learning Target
I can arrange counters into rows and columns to create an array and write a matching multiplication fact.
Manipulatives & Tools
Square color tiles or magnet tiles, laminated 5x5 grid mats, 2 dice (1-6), dry-erase markers.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: Row vs. Column Kinesthetic Routine (7 Min)
Whole Group • Multisensory
Physical Gesture: Teacher models: "Rows go across like rowing a boat" (sweep arm horizontally). "Columns stand tall like building pillars" (point arm straight up and down).
Present: "Build an array with 3 rows of 4 tiles." Students place tiles in straight grid formation. Prompt: "Rows \(\times\) Columns = Total tiles."
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Array Architect City (15 Min)
Pairs / Stations
Game Rules: Students pretend to build "apartment building windows." Student 1 rolls Die 1 for the number of floors (rows across). Student 2 rolls Die 2 for windows on each floor (columns). They tile the building on their grid mat, trace the border, and write the equation: \((\text{rows}) \times (\text{columns}) = \text{total windows}\).
SpEd Scaffold: Use raised-border grid trays or textured square tiles to keep rows aligned for students with fine motor challenges.
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Ask: "How is an array like equal groups?" (Each row is an equal group!). Hand out the Array Architects Exit Ticket .
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Highlighting Rows: Give students highlighter tape to trace each horizontal row.
• Chunking: Limit facts to 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s during initial array building.
Array Architects Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 3
Array Architects
Goal: Rows × Columns
Rows go ACROSS | Columns go DOWN
1
Look at the dot array below.
How many rows?
How many in each row?
Total dots:
Multiplication Equation:
× =
2
Draw an array with 2 rows of 6 circles .
Equation: × =
How do you feel about arrays today? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Area Tile Lesson Guide Lesson 4 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Area Tile Masters Lesson Guide
Focus Strategy: Transitioning from discrete arrays to solid tiled rectangles to measure area (\(\text{length} \times \text{width}\)).
Learning Target
I can tile a rectangle with square units without gaps or overlaps to find its area using multiplication.
Manipulatives & Tools
1-inch square color tiles, grid paper (cm or inch), colored crayons/pencils, exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: Tiling Without Gaps (7 Min)
Whole Group • Concrete
Story: "We are tiling a kitchen floor! The floor is 4 squares long and 3 squares wide. How many total square tiles do we need?"
Emphasize: No gaps! No overlaps! Count by rows: 4, 8, 12 square units. Connect: \(4 \times 3 = 12\) square units.
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Area Tile Conquer (15 Min)
Partner Game
Game Rules: On a shared grid sheet, Player 1 rolls 2 dice (e.g., 3 and 5). They outline and color a rectangle with those dimensions (\(3 \times 5\)). Inside the rectangle, they write the multiplication equation: \(3 \times 5 = 15\) sq units. Player 2 takes their turn in a different color. The player with the most square units captured wins!
SpEd Scaffold: Allow students to place physical color tiles directly onto the grid before outlining with marker.
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Connect: Area is the space inside a flat shape. Instead of counting every single square, we multiply length times width! Distribute Area Tile Exit Ticket .
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Tactile Boundaries: Use wikki stix / wax yarn to outline rectangular perimeters.
• Label Support: Pre-label Side A (Length) and Side B (Width) with arrow stamps.
Area Tile Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 4
Area and Tiling
Formula: Length × Width
1
Count the tiled squares inside this rectangle.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Rows (Height):
Columns (Length):
Total Square Units:
Area Equation:
× = sq units
2
Shade in a rectangle that is 2 units high and 5 units long .
Equation: × = sq units
How do you feel about tiling and area? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Fact Family Lesson Guide Lesson 5 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Fact Family Triangles Guide
Focus Strategy: Connecting inverse multiplication and division operations using the 3-number triangle structure.
Learning Target
I can use 3 related numbers to write 2 multiplication equations and 2 division equations.
Manipulatives & Tools
Laminated fact family triangle cards, dry-erase markers, colored foam counters, exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: The Family Reunion Routine (7 Min)
Whole Group • Conceptual
Show a triangle with top number 15 (roof) and bottom corners 3 and 5. Explain: "These three numbers are a family! They live in the same house. The bottom numbers multiply together to make the top number."
Write the 4 equations: \(3 \times 5 = 15\), \(5 \times 3 = 15\), \(15 \div 3 = 5\), \(15 \div 5 = 3\). Emphasize that division always starts with the big total!
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Triangle Cover-Up Game (15 Min)
Partner Game
Game Rules: Partner A holds a fact triangle card and covers one number with their thumb. Partner B looks at the two visible numbers and states the missing number and equation. For example: If 15 is covered and 3 & 5 are visible: "3 times 5 is 15!" If 3 is covered and 15 & 5 are visible: "15 divided by 5 is 3!" Students take turns and record completed 4-equation packs on their boards.
SpEd Modification: Color-code the top number in gold/yellow (The Big Total) and bottom numbers in light blue (The Factors).
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Reinforce: "If you know your multiplication fact, you already know the division fact!" Distribute Fact Family Exit Ticket .
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Anchor Sentence: Display: "Big number at the start of division; Big number at the end of multiplication."
• Color Matching: Highlight operation signs (\(\times\) in green, \(\div\) in orange).
Fact Family Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 5
Fact Family Triangles
Goal: 4 Related Facts
1
Use the fact triangle to write the 4 related equations.
18
3
6
Multiplication Facts
× =
× =
Division Facts
÷ =
÷ =
2
Find the missing family member and write the equations.
Clue Fact: \(4 \times 5 = 20\)
The 3 family numbers are: 4 , 5 , and 20 .
Division Fact 1: 20 ÷ 4 =
Division Fact 2: 20 ÷ 5 =
How do you feel about fact families? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Word Problem Lesson Guide Lesson 6 of 7 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Word Problem Detectives Guide
Focus Strategy: Choosing between multiplication (combining equal sets) and division (sharing/splitting a known total).
Learning Target
I can find clue words in a story problem, decide whether to multiply or divide, and draw a quick sketch to solve.
Manipulatives & Tools
Highlighters (yellow and green), Detective clue cards, dry-erase boards, exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: The 3-Read Detective Routine (7 Min)
Whole Group • Literacy Scaffolding
Adopt i-Ready 3-Read Protocol: Read 1: What is the story about? (No numbers). Read 2: What are the quantities? (Circle the numbers). Read 3: What is the question asking? Do we need to find the total (Multiply) or share the total (Divide)?
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Operation Detective Sort (15 Min)
Pairs / Small Groups
Game Rules: Students receive 6 mini case cards. They use a magnifying glass icon to hunt for clue words: "each", "in all", "shared equally", "split between" . They sort each case card onto either the Multiply Mat (\(\times\)) or the Divide Mat (\(\div\)) . Then they solve 2 sorted cards on their whiteboard using any visual strategy.
SpEd Modification: Read story cards aloud with dramatic gestures. Color-highlight clue phrases in yellow to lower reading barrier.
3 CONNECT & EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Independent Check
Review the rule of thumb: "Known groups + each = Multiply. Known total + share = Divide." Distribute Word Problem Exit Ticket .
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Picture Icons: Every word problem includes a small visual prompt icon.
• Choice Box: Students circle operation first before calculating numbers.
Word Problem Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 6
Word Problem Detectives
Mission: Choose Multiply or Divide
1 Case File A
Operation: × Multiply ÷ Divide
Maya buys 4 packs of markers. There are 3 markers in each pack. How many markers does Maya have in all?
Sketch groups or array:
Equation: × =
Answer: markers in all
2 Case File B
Operation: × Multiply ÷ Divide
Coach Sam has 15 soccer balls . He shares them equally among 3 practice cones . How many balls go to each cone?
Draw equal sharing circles:
Equation: ÷ =
Answer: balls per cone
How do you feel about word problems today? (Circle one)
😃 I got it!
🙂 Still practicing
🤔 I need help
Strategy Showdown Lesson Guide Lesson 7 of 7 (Review) 30 Minutes • 3rd Grade SpEd
i-Ready Math Routine
Strategy Showdown Guide
Focus: Reviewing all 4 core strategies (Equal Groups, Arrays/Area, Fact Families, and Word Problems).
Learning Target
I can select my favorite strategy (groups, arrays, or fact families) to solve multiplication and division problems.
Manipulatives & Tools
Strategy toolkit cards (visual reminders), spinner or game board, tokens, exit tickets.
30-Minute Instructional Framework
1 TRY IT: Strategy Toolbox Warm-Up (7 Min)
Whole Group • Metacognition
Post the problem: \(3 \times 6 = ?\). Ask 3 volunteers to model it using 3 different ways: Student 1 makes 3 groups of 6 dots. Student 2 builds an array of 3 rows of 6. Student 3 connects it to the fact family triangle.
Celebrate: "There is more than one path to the right answer! Choose the strategy that feels best in your brain."
2 DISCUSS & PLAY: Strategy Showdown Board Game (15 Min)
Small Groups of 2–3
Game Rules: Players roll a die to advance along the Showdown Path. When landing on a space, they draw a Challenge Card (e.g., \(4 \times 4\), \(18 \div 2\), or "Farmer has 20 eggs"). The player announces their chosen strategy: "I will use Equal Groups!" or "I will draw an Array!" If their partner validates their work, the player keeps the card. Most cards collected wins!
SpEd Scaffold: Provide a "Strategy Cheat Sheet" on desks with visual step-by-step icons for each method.
3 CONNECT & FINAL EXIT TICKET (8 Min)
Sequence Culmination
Distribute Strategy Showdown Exit Ticket to celebrate growth across the 7-day unit. Encourage students to show off their preferred strategy!
Targeted SpEd Accommodations
• Strategy Freedom: Allow students to use whichever strategy gives them confidence.
• Celebrate Effort: Praise mathematical process and strategy use over speed.
Strategy Showdown Exit Ticket Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket • Lesson 7 Final
Strategy Showdown
Unit Goal: Show Your Strategy
Pick your strategy for each problem: 🔵 Equal Groups 🟩 Array / Area 🔺 Fact Family
1
Solve: 3 × 5 = ?
Check one: □ Groups □ Array □ Fact Family
Completed Equation: 3 × 5 =
2
Solve: 16 ÷ 4 = ?
Check one: □ Equal Sharing □ Array Rows □ Fact Family
Completed Equation: 16 ÷ 4 =
Congratulations on finishing the unit! How confident do you feel?
🏆 Math Champion!
👍 Growing Stronger
💪 Ready for More
Strategy Champions Slides 3rd Grade Intervention 7 Lessons • 30 Min Each
Strategy Champions
Multiplication & Division Intervention Sequence
A multisensory journey from concrete models to equations using the i-Ready Try • Discuss • Connect framework.
Equal Groups • Arrays & Area • Fact Families • Word Problems
Unit Overview
The 4 Big Math Strategies
1
Equal Groups
Build and count equal sets using concrete counters and repeated addition.
2
Arrays & Area
Organize rows and columns, then tile solid rectangles to see area.
3
Fact Families
Connect related facts with 3-number triangles (\(2 \times\) facts, \(2 \div\) facts).
4
Word Problems
Decode clue words to decide whether to combine equal groups or share a total.
Every student learns multiple pathways to solve each equation!
Lessons 1 & 2
Equal Groups vs. Fair Share
Lesson 1: Multiply
Combine Equal Sets
Start with the number of groups and group size to find the whole total .
3 groups of 4 = 12
4 + 4 + 4 = 12 • 3 × 4 = 12
Game: Circles and Stars
Lesson 2: Divide
Partition Equal Shares
Start with the whole total and deal items out one by one into equal bowls.
12 shared by 3 = 4 each
Total ÷ Groups = Fair Share
Game: Cookie Jar Fair Share
Key SpEd Rule: Hands-on counters first, visual drawings second, numbers last!
Lessons 3 & 4
Arrays & Area Tile Masters
Lesson 3: Arrays
Rows and Columns
Dots in organized lines eliminate messy counting errors.
Rows (Across) × Columns (Down)
3 rows of 5 dots = 15 dots
Game: Array Architect City
Lesson 4: Area Tiling
Space Inside Rectangles
Tiling with square units: No gaps! No overlaps!
Length × Width = Area
4 units × 3 units = 12 square units
Game: Area Tile Conquer
Multisensory Tip: Row boat arms for rows; tall pillar arms for columns!
Lesson 5
Fact Family Connections
18
3
6
Top = Big Total • Bottom = Factors
Unit Exit Answer Keys Teacher Resource Strategy Champions • SpEd Math Intervention
Master Exit Ticket Answer Keys (Part 1: Lessons 1–4)
Model responses, numerical solutions, and acceptable SpEd student representations.
Lesson 1: Equal Groups Multiplication Exit Ticket 2 Problems • 4 Pts Total
Problem 1 (Model to Equation):
There are 3 equal groups.
Each group has 4 dots.
Repeated Addition: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Multiplication: 3 × 4 = 12 (or \(4 \times 3 = 12\))
Problem 2 (Draw & Solve):
Expected Model: 2 distinct circles/rings, each containing 5 dots/stars. Acceptable: tally groups or 2 rows of 5.
Equation: 2 × 5 = 10 (or 5 × 2 = 10)
Lesson 2: Fair Share Division Exit Ticket 2 Problems • 4 Pts Total
Problem 1 (12 Counters into 3 Bowls):
Number of equal groups: 3
Each bowl receives: 4 counters
Division Equation: 12 ÷ 3 = 4
Problem 2 (10 Stickers to 2 Students):
Expected Work: 5 dots drawn in Student 1 box, 5 dots drawn in Student 2 box (or one-to-one hashmarks).
Equation: 10 ÷ 2 = 5
Lesson 3: Array Architects Exit Ticket 2 Problems • 4 Pts Total
Problem 1 (3 Rows × 5 Columns):
How many rows: 3 | In each row: 5
Total dots: 15
Multiplication Equation: 3 × 5 = 15
Problem 2 (Draw 2 Rows of 6):
Expected Model: 2 horizontal rows with 6 aligned dots each (total 12 dots).
Equation: 2 × 6 = 12
Lesson 4: Area and Tiling Exit Ticket 2 Problems • 4 Pts Total
Problem 1 (4 × 3 Tile Rectangle):
Rows (Height): 3 | Columns (Length): 4
Total Square Units: 12
Area Equation: 3 × 4 = 12 sq units (or 4 × 3)
Problem 2 (Shade 2 High × 5 Long):
Expected Model: 10 shaded grid boxes forming a 2x5 solid rectangle with no gaps.
Equation: 2 × 5 = 10 sq units
SpEd Scoring & Feedback Rubric:
Strategy Showdown Board Game Players: 2 to 4 Students Lesson 7 Capstone Review Game
Printable Board Game
Strategy Showdown Board Game
Need: 1 Die & Player Tokens
1. Roll die & move • 2. Announce strategy (Groups, Array, or Family) • 3. Solve & pass die!
Space 1
START HERE!
Camp Multiply
Space 2 🔵
2 × 4 = ?
Make 2 groups of 4
Groups Way
Space 3 🟩
3 × 3 = ?
Draw 3 rows of 3
Array Avenue
Space 4 ⚡
POWER BOOST!
Jump ahead 1 space!
Strategy Boost
Space 8 🧁
12 ÷ 3 = ?
Share 12 into 3 bowls
Cookie Corner
Space 7 🔺
Family: 4, 2, 8
Say 1 division fact
Triangle Ridge
Space 6 📐
Area: 2 × 5
Find total square units
Tile Terrace
Space 5 🔵
3 × 4 = ?
Count 3 groups of 4
Groups Trail
Space 9 🔍
Clue Word Hunt
“Shared equally” means?
Detective Den
Space 10 🟩
4 × 4 = ?
Square array challenge
Array Plaza
Space 11 🔺
15 ÷ 5 = ?
Think: 5 × ? = 15
Fact Summit
Space 12
🏆 CHAMPION! You mastered strategies!
Finish Line
Strategy Symbol Guide:
🔵 Equal Groups 🟩 Rows & Columns 🔺 Fact Family 🔍 Word Clue
