Colorful sticky dots
Card stock or construction paper
Markers or pens
Scissors
Preparation:
Cut card stock or construction paper into small, flashcard-sized pieces.
Provide sets of colorful sticky dots to each student or pair of students.
Introducing the Activity:
Explain the concept of arrays and how they can model multiplication facts. For example, 3 x 4 can be shown as three rows with four dots in each row.
Show an example of a completed card with dots on one side and the corresponding multiplication fact on the back.
Creating Flash Cards:
Have students choose multiplication facts to model with the sticky dots.
Instruct them to place the dots in neat rows and columns on one side of each card, creating an array that represents the multiplication fact.
On the back of the card, students should write the corresponding multiplication equation (e.g., “3 x 4”).
Building the Set:
Each student should create at least 12 flashcards, ensuring a variety of multiplication facts are represented.
Encourage creativity and neatness in arranging the dots.
Playing the Game:
Pair up students to play the Sticky Dot Flash Card Challenge.
The first player flashes a card with the dot array showing for two seconds.
The second player must quickly guess the multiplication fact and give the answer.
The first player then shows both sides of the card to check the answer.
Students take turns flashing cards and working through the deck, providing a fun and competitive way to practice multiplication.
Discussion and Reinforcement:
After the game, gather students to discuss the activity.
Ask them to share their experiences and any strategies they used to quickly recognize the multiplication facts.
Reinforce the importance of quick recall and how visualizing arrays can help in understanding multiplication.