LESSON 3: Word Problems (Multiplication and Division)

GRADE: 3rd Grade

SUBJECT: Math Multiplication and Division
TIME: 1 hour
LESSON DESCRIPTION:
Students will take turns acting as coaches assisting each other in solving
word problems by identifying key words to help solve mathematical operations.
CURRICULUM STANDARDS:
RT4: Multiplication and Division Computation
PSa) Use models (number line, arrays, ratio table) to demonstrate an
understanding of multiplication of whole numbers up to 10 x 10, and a whole
number by multiples of 10 including contextual situations
PSb) Use models to demonstrate an understanding of division of numbers related
to the 10 x 10 multiplication facts
PSc) Fluently* multiply and divide within 100 (1 digit facts from memory by the
end of 3rd grade)
PSd) Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide
(students need not use formal terms for these properties)
OBJECTIVES:

Students will
operations.
Students will
Students will
Students will

brainstorm key words that indicate multiplication and division

create a chart listing key words under multiplication and division.
work together solving word problems using the terms collected
practice using the key words to write word problems.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

Introduce Lesson
o Students will be shown a word problem on the overhead projector. They will
be asked to work with their partner to solve the word problem. They will show
their work on a white board when completed.
There are 5 tables in the classroom. There are 4 students sitting at
each table. How many students, in all, are sitting in the classroom?
o I will walk around the room to see when all the students have completed the
task.

o A student will volunteer to come to the front of the room to show how they
solved the word problem, other students with different ideas will be called up
also.
o Students will be asked if there was any wording in the word problem that
helped them to know how to solve it.

Instruction
o Explain to the class that whether they notice it or not, they are using key
words in word problems to determine how to solve them. Show two columns on
the board and write multiplication and division at the top of each of the
columns.
o Give the students a page with different word problems listed. Have them go
through and circle words that help them figure out how to solve the problems.
Students can then discuss at their tables why they chose the words the
circled. They will then write on the their white boards words they agree on
and why.
o Go through the list of word problems given to the students asking volunteers
to come up to the columns to list the word(s) their table choose and why.
o I will present students with any additional multiplication and division terms
that they did not list.

Closure
o Students will be asked to pick a word problem term and to make their own
word problem using it. They will be asked to have their partner read the
question to make sure it is understood. They will be collected for students to
solve in tomorrows class. Correct word problems will be used on a worksheet.
Word problems that are turned in and are incorrect and/or not understood
will be discussed, corrected, and put on a future practice worksheet.

ADAPTATIONS:
Learners with special needs will be sitting near the front of the room. They will be
working out all the activities in a small group with the teachers supervision and
directions (possible list of tasks listed for students to follow and check off).
SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITIES:
Extension Students who need more of a challenge will be given word problems with
multiple steps along with double digit calculating.
Remediation Students who need more instruction/practice will be given simple
direct word problems with visual examples to solve.

ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION:
Students will be graded formatively during the lesson with their participation in
discussions, their recording of solving problems on their white boards, along with
their participation in writing their own word problem using one of the terms they
collected as a class.
Students will receive a summative grade when they complete the worksheets they
have made word problems for. The mathematical terms that they use when solving
the word problems will be circled. Students will visually show and describe why they
used that term and how they solved the problem.
Students that struggle with the summative grades will be receiving small group
instruction on their word problem skills.
LEARNER PRODUCTS:
The students collection of word problem terms (along with terms the teacher adds)
will be displayed on the classroom wall (poster).
The students will have word problems they made themselves on a classroom
worksheet.