One of the most important math skills that third graders learn is multiplication. Third graders have been working hard–first on understanding the concept of multiplication and strategies to figure out the facts, and then on memorizing their facts.

Second graders will be working on multiplication later this year. As everyone knows, one of the best ways to truly understand something is to teach it to someone else. So, as a way for third graders to continue to deepen their understanding of multiplication and for second graders to get a preview of a skill they will soon be working on, we brought both grades together. They did a great job! Here are some pictures of what went on.

First, third graders made posters illustrating the different multiplication strategies they’ve learned.

After practicing with partners how to explain the strategies, the third graders headed down to the second graders’ classroom armed with their posters and dry erase boards and markers. They did a great job explaining the strategies, showing some examples, and then handing the markers over to the second graders so they could try some problems. The second graders did a fantastic job of being attentive listeners, asking good questions, and working hard to solve the problems.

They were so involved in what they were doing they hardly noticed the teachers listening in and taking pictures.

Second and third graders did a wonderful job working and learning together!