Parent guide · Grade 3 Math · Unit 9

Lesson 9.2 Multiplication Word Problems

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time: 5 sessions of 25–30 minutes
Goal: Solve × and ÷ word problems and two-step problems.
You need: A few real coins
Pencil and crayons
Print: Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page

Steps

Warm-up
Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.
- Ask: “12 × 4” Listen for: 48
- Ask: “2 × 4” Listen for: 8
- Ask: “4 × 3” Listen for: 12
- Ask: “9 × 11” Listen for: 99
Teach the new idea
Say this: “Equal groups mean multiply or divide.”
Say this: “Draw a bar model.”
Show how
Show: 40 horseshoes are packed 8 to a crate. How many crates are filled?
$bar model$
Say this: “Unknown: the size of each group.”
Say this: “Bar model: the whole is 40, cut into 8 equal parts.”
Say this: “Equation: 40 ÷ 8 = ?”
Say this: “40 ÷ 8 = 5”
Say this: “Answer: 5 crates are filled.”
Answer: 5 crates. 5 crates are filled.
Show: A merchant buys 6 jars of oil at 6 coins each. He also pays 16 coins in tax. How many coins does he spend in all?
Say this: “Unknown: the final amount.”
Say this: “Two steps: first find the total of the equal groups, then add the extra.”
Say this: “Cost of the jars: 6 × 6 = 36”
Say this: “Add the tax: 36 + 16 = 52”
Say this: “Answer: He spends 52 coins.”
Answer: 52 coins. He spends 52 coins.
Practice together
Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.
Ask: A cobbler makes 8 pairs of shoes a day. How many pairs does he make in 5 days?
$bar model$
Listen for: 40 pairs. He makes 40 pairs.
If stuck: Unknown: the total.
Ask: A wagon wheel has 3 spokes. How many spokes are on 10 wheels?
$bar model$
Listen for: 30 spokes. 10 wheels have 30 spokes.
If stuck: Unknown: the total.
Ask: A wagon wheel has 3 spokes. How many spokes are on 3 wheels?
$bar model$
Listen for: 9 spokes. 3 wheels have 9 spokes.
If stuck: Unknown: the total.
7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.
Watch for
- Picking the wrong operation.
Game: Fact Bingo
Fill a grid with products. Call out facts such as “7 × 8”. Cover the products. Four in a row wins.
Narration
Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”
Listen for: Solve × and ÷ word problems and two-step problems.
Daily habit
Fact drill daily. Goal: all × and ÷ facts to 12 × 12 in 3 seconds.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 25–30 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.