Multiplying With Skip Counting

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3

Overview

In this learning activity, students will be introduced to the concept that skip counting by 4s will result in an even number since 4 is an even number. This learning activity may be used before learning the four multiplication facts to engage students through singing and movement with numbers. 

This alignment is the result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 3

MA19.3.9

Recognize and explain arithmetic patterns using properties of operations.

UP:MA19.3.9

Vocabulary

  • Arithmetic pattern
  • Starting value
  • Addition table
  • Multiplication table
  • Consecutive
  • Term
  • Decompose

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that mathematical ideas and concepts build on patterns and recognize and identify those patterns to make sense of math, and the ability to make generalizations is the foundation for algebraic reasoning.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify arithmetic patterns in number sequences, in the addition table, or multiplication table.
  • Use logical reasoning and properties of numbers and operations to explain characteristics of arithmetic patterns.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Mathematical concepts build on patterns.
  • When consecutive terms always differ by the same amount, an arithmetic pattern is formed.
  • Visual patterns can be found in the multiplication table.

Learning Objectives

The student will be able to identify arithmetic patterns (counting by fours) and explain them using properties of operations.

Activity Details

Tell students that today we will skip count by the number 4. Ask students if 4 is an even number. Remind them that since 4 is an even number and we are adding 4 to each number that we say, then all the numbers that we will say will be even. Have the numbers 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100 on the front board or on chart paper for students to see while counting aloud by 4s to 100 with students. Tell the students that now we will skip count by 4s while singing and moving.

Students will watch the video Counting by Fours Song

Next, students will repeat the pattern aloud, "4 is an even number and counting by 4 will result in all even numbers".  Have students watch the video again while singing/moving along with the video.  The students will count by fours together.  Remember to erase the front board or cover the chart paper.  On a clean sheet of paper, the student will write the whole numbers starting at the number 4 and skip count by 4s to 100.

Assessment Strategies

The student will count by fours. On a clean sheet of paper, the student will write the whole numbers starting at the number four and skip count by fours to one hundred.

The teacher will assess students' paper for correct skip counting by 4s.

Variation Tips

You may allow the students to view, sing, and/or move with the video multiple times prior to the assessment.

Background / Preparation

Have the numbers 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100 on the front board or on chart paper for students to see while counting aloud by 4s to 100 with students. Check to make sure the technology device and the Internet is working.

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