Session 10: Multiplication word problems

Introduction  Activity  (25 minutes)

Greeting and Warm-Up  (10 minutes)

Begin with a welcoming activity. For example, a quick mindfulness moment: "Take three deep breaths and think about something you are excited to learn today." This will help students focus and create a positive learning environment.

Review of Basic Operations 

Briefly review addition and subtraction to refresh students' memories. Write a few problems on the board and solve them together:

Addition: "You have 8 apples and pick 6 more. How many apples do you have now?"

Subtraction: "You have 15 candies, and you give 4 to your friend. How many do you have left?"

After this, introduce multiplication in simple terms: "Multiplication is like repeated addition. For example, if you have 4 bags of cookies, and each bag has 5 cookies, how many cookies do you have in total?" Explain how multiplication is faster than adding the same number repeatedly.

 Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

Introduction to Multiplication Word Problems 

Explain how word problems can help us apply math in real-life situations. Show an example of a multiplication word problem:

“You have 3 baskets. Each basket has 4 apples. How many apples do you have in total?”

Walk through the steps of solving the problem:

1. Read the problem carefully.
2. Identify the numbers and the operation (multiplication).
3. Solve it: 3 baskets × 4 apples = 12 apples.
4. Check if the answer makes sense (Are 12 apples reasonable for 3 baskets?).

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems 

• After explaining multiplication, introduce addition and subtraction word problems. Use examples that students can relate to:
  
• Addition: "You have 5 dollars, and you find 3 more dollars. How much money do you have now?"
  
• Subtraction: "You start with 10 pencils, and you give away 2. How many pencils are left?"
  
• Solve the problems step by step and encourage students to identify the operation needed (addition or subtraction). Remind them to read carefully and check their answers.
  

Main Activity(55 minutes))

Group Work (15 minutes):

Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of word problems that include multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Students will work together to solve the problems. Use manipulatives (counters, blocks, etc.) to help visualize the problems.

Example problems for each group:

• Multiplication: “You have 4 rows of chairs, with 5 chairs in each row. How many chairs are there?”
  
• Addition: “You have 12 marbles, and you win 7 more. How many marbles do you have?”
  
• Subtraction: “You have 20 stickers, and you give 8 to a friend. How many stickers do you have left?”
  

Class Discussion (10 minutes):

After each group has solved the problems, bring the class back together and ask each group to share one of their word problems and solutions. As students present, encourage the class to offer supportive feedback and ask questions.

Activity: “Math in the Real World” (25 minutes)

For this activity, create a “store” or “market” simulation where students will use word problems to "buy" and "sell" items. Each item will have a price and students will need to solve word problems to determine the cost or amount of money they’ll need to pay. Items should have a price related to simple multiplication, addition, or subtraction problems.

Example items:

3 packs of gum (Price: ₹15 per pack)

4 toys (Price: ₹5 per toy)

5 apples (Price: ₹12 per apple)

As students solve each word problem, they can "purchase" an item (they won't actually spend money, but they will keep track of their answers). Use manipulatives to help students visualize how much money they need or how much change they should receive.

Review Assessment  (5 minutes):

Review the key points of the lesson: how to solve multiplication, addition, and subtraction word problems. Ask students to share one strategy that helped them solve a problem today.

Follow-up Tasks (10 minutes)

1. A book shelf has 5 shelves, and each shelf can hold 8 books. How many books can the bookshelf hold in total?

2. A toy car truck is 12 meter long. If we add 8 more meters to it, how long is the track now?

3. A bakery has 30 cupcakes on display. If 11cupcakes are sold, how many cupcakes are left?

Expected Learning  Outcome:

Knowledge building:

•     How to solve word problems of multiplication, addition and subtraction.

•     To build how to solve real-life problems.

Skill Building:

• Problem solving

• Self awareness 

• Empathy

• Active listening