Equal groups · Ages 7–8
“6 times 4”?
Does your child say 10 to “6 times 4”? They know addition well: 6 plus 4 is 10. It isn’t necessarily carelessness: “times” may still be new. This free printable shows equal groups with plates and pasta, with questions instead of corrections and six circles to draw the dots in.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why 6 plus 4 is an understandable answer: “times” may still be new.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: 5 plates of 3 pieces of pasta, 5 times 3 pieces, 15 pieces in all.
- What is always true with “times,” two traps (adding the two numbers, unequal groups) and one convention: the number of groups first.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- The activities: six paper plates (or bowls) and about thirty pieces of pasta, out of reach of toddlers; give your child only page 2.
- Notes to read after your child has worked it out, and a cut-out slip for a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with written instructions, which your child fills in.
- Mina says “6 islands and 4 packages: 6 plus 4 is 10!”: “Do you agree with Mina?”
- Eight steps: predict, set out and count, check, add a plate, a plate that isn’t the same, 3 plates of 5, explain, then a family challenge.
- Six empty circles, “My plates,” to draw the dots in when there are no plates.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “Equal groups” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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