Multiplication and Division Fluency Set of Tasks

Author: Karen Fuson

  • Description
  • Files

What we like about this set of tasks

Mathematically:

  • Addresses standards: 3.OA.C.7, 3.OA.B.6, 3.OA.B.5, 
  • Part of a carefully considered progression toward fluency and memory with single-digit products (3.OA.C.7)
  • Multiplication and division equations are mixed together to reinforce the relationship between them (3.OA.B.6)
  • Randomness of equations ensures students are mindful when answering
  • Explicitly makes the relationship between multiplication and division clear (3.OA.B.6)
  • Connects to the Commutative property of multiplication (3.OA.B.5)

In the classroom:

  • Offers one of the many opportunities for students to practice their facts to ensure fluency
  • May be tailored to include sets of numbers other than those represented here
  • Represents multiplication and division with a variety of symbols
  • Allows for both individual and paired work
  • Builds fluency in an engaging way
  • Contains blank cards for students to use

This task was designed to include specific features that support access for all students and align to best practice for English Language Learner (ELL) instruction. Go here to learn more about the research behind these supports. This lesson aligns to ELL best practice in the following ways:

  • Provides opportunities for students to practice and refine their use of mathematical language.
  • Allows for whole class, small group, and paired discussion for the purpose of practicing with mathematical concepts and language.
  • Includes a mathematical routine that reflects best practices to supporting ELLs in accessing mathematical concepts.

  • Making the Shifts

    How does this task exemplify the instructional Shifts required by CCSSM?

    Focus Belongs to the major work of third grade
    Coherence Develops fluencies that students will rely on in subsequent grades as they multiply and divide multi-digit whole numbers, multiply and divide fractions and decimals, and work with equivalent ratios as preparation for understanding proportional relationships
    Rigor

    Conceptual Understanding: not targeted in this set of tasks

    Procedural Skill and Fluency: primary in this set of tasks

    Application: not targeted in this set of tasks
  • Task 1

    Task 1 is a set of 72 multiplication and division problems designed to help students practice toward fluency. The problems address number facts for 0s, 1s, 2, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 9s. 

  • Task 2

    Task 2 is a fluency game named, "High Card Wins." The game can be played with various subsets of fact families, with cards for 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 9s being included here. 

  • Additional Thoughts

    Reaching fluency in single-digit multiplications and related divisions takes time and practice. Students will need many opportunities and varying activities to develop fluency with single-digit multiplication and division. See here for more grade 3 fluency activities. 

    For more on how students can gain fluency in multiplication and division in grade 3, read pages 25–27 of the progression document, K Counting and Cardinality; K–5 Operations and Algebraic Thinking (the section titled "Levels in problem representation and solution").

Supplemental Resources