Building Arrays
Objective
Big Idea
Introduction/Hook
Today we are going to start learning about arrays. You might not know what an array is but chances are you have seen a lot of arrays already in your life. We’re going to start by building an array with our own bodies. In order to build an array, we need to know what the difference between a row and a column is. A row goes side to side and a column goes up and down.
I show visuals on an anchor chart (or on the Promethean board) such as....
Note: You can also use the rows and columns on the rug to help discuss the difference between a row and a column.
Guided Practice
- How many rows does this array have?
- How many columns does it have?
- How many counters does this array have in all? How do you know?
Introduction to New Material
Lets build an array with four rows. Each row needs to have three students in it. I ask students to come forward and build an array with their bodies, as you can see in this picture of my students. When finished ask students: How many rows does this array have? How many columns does this array have? How many total students are in this human array?
An array is a way to arrange items so that we can easily count them. Let’s try to make another human array. Let’s make an array with two rows of five students. I ask students to come forward and build an array with their bodies. When finished ask students: How many rows does this array have? How many columns does this array have? How many total students are in this human array
Now that we have built arrays with our classmates we’re going to build arrays using counters. Hand out counters to students. On your white board build an array that has three rows of five.
When finished ask students: How many rows does this array have? How many columns does this array have? How many total students are in this human array.
Depending on time, student engagement, and student understanding, do 2-5 more practice problems using counters. Make sure that students are able to explain how many of each item are in each row and how many are in each column.
Independent Practice
The Independent Practice is differentiated based on student ability.
Group A: In need of intervention
Students in group A will build arrays using cubes, counters, or another small object independently. Students will build the arrays and then draw each array after building it. Students in this group will receive teacher guidance throughout the independent practice period.
Group B: Right on track!
Students will build arrays using cubes, counters, or another small object independently. Students will build the arrays and then draw each array after building it.
Group C : Extension
Students will draw arrays without using manipulatives.
Closing
Today we built arrays using our bodies, our counters, and our brains (when we drew out our arrays). Tomorrow we will start to use number sentences to describe our arrays!
