Tell Me a Story

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3

Overview

Students will apply what they know about division by writing their own story problem to match a given equation. This will assess if they can correctly interpret quotients.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 3

MA19.3.2

Illustrate and interpret the quotient of two whole numbers as the number of objects in each group or the number of groups when the whole is partitioned into equal shares.

UP:MA19.3.2

Vocabulary

  • Partitive division
  • Measurement division
  • Missing factor
  • Factor
  • Quotient
  • Partition
  • Product
  • Divisor
  • Dividend
  • Equal share

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that division is related to multiplication in terms of finding a missing factor. The missing factor being either the number of groups or the number of items in each group.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Interpret quantities in a division situation as the number of objects in each groupor the number of equal groups.
  • Use a model or drawing to illustrate a quotient.
  • Write word problems for division context involving equal groups and fair shares.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • a division expression represents either the number of objects in each group when the total number is partitioned evenly into a given number of groups or the number of groups when the total number is partitioned into groups that each contain a given number.

Learning Objectives

I can interpret the quotient as the number of objects in each group.

Activity Details

  1. Pass out a copy of the Tell Me a Story worksheet to each student.
  2. Read the task aloud and allow for student questions.
  3. Explain to students that they will be creating a story problem that matches the division equation 36 ÷ 6 = 6. (Make sure that students understand that a story problem is just a word problem. Use an example if needed.)
  4. Tell students to draw a picture that matches their story.

Assessment Strategies

Check student work at the conclusion of the activity to assess their understanding. You can use the following guidelines to ensure students meet the learning objective.

Check that the student:

  1. created a story problem that matched the equation.
  2. has a picture that models the equation.

Variation Tips

This task can be used as a stand-alone activity or in conjunction with One Hundred Hungry Ants (before activity) and Sharing Candy (during activity).

Background / Preparation

Each student will need a copy of the Tell Me a Story worksheet and pencil. The teacher may project this on a whiteboard for students to complete in a math journal/paper.

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