Gather the materials
- Twenty-four paper dots or a 24-dot drawing
- Cards reading 6 × □ = 24 and 24 ÷ 6 = □
- Paper for an array or group drawing
Choose large materials and supervise their use. Adjust quantity, print size, response method and pace to the learner. A partner may move or record while the learner points or explains.
Teach the sequence
3 minutes
Make the unknown meaningful
Say ‘There are 24 objects, six in each group. How many groups?’ Build or draw groups of six. Ask what is known and what needs to be found before choosing an operation.
4 minutes
Connect the equation
Place 6 × □ = 24 beside the four equal groups. Explain what the blank represents in this expression. A learner may use counting, repeated addition or a known multiplication fact to find four.
4 minutes
Check, do not just fill
Put four into the blank and verify 6 × 4 = 24. Relate the same situation to 24 ÷ 6 = 4 when that notation is familiar. Keep the total and group size linked to the actual representation.
4 minutes
Change one condition
Try 5 × □ = 20 with groups of five. Ask the learner to identify the missing part and explain how the check proves the answer works.
Adapt the same idea
Provide more support
Use totals within twelve, keep objects visible and reduce the number of written symbols. Read the problem aloud and allow the learner to direct a partner’s grouping.
Extend when ready
Compare a groups-unknown story with a group-size-unknown story for the same total. Draw both and explain why the numerical fact can be related while the story question differs.
What to observe
- Can the learner say which quantity is missing?
- Does the chosen factor create the stated total with equal groups?
- Can multiplication check the proposed answer rather than just repeat it?
Use these observations to decide what to model next. A brief note about a strategy or a misconception is more useful than simply recording a score.
Home follow-up
Ask a grown-up for an equal-group story using a comfortable fact. Draw it, leave one factor blank and explain the check together.