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Lesson Plan
Distributive Property
Teach your students to recognize and use the distributive property of multiplication.
Grade
Subject
View aligned standards
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to apply the distributive property of multiplication.
The adjustment to the whole group lesson is a modification to differentiate for children who are English learners.
Introduction
(5 minutes)
- Ask students what the word "distribute" means. Use it in a sentence (e.g., "A teacher will distribute your homework at the end of the day."). Then give students a moment to discuss the word with peers.
- Call on a few students to give a definition for the word distribute and then develop a meaning with the class (i.e., pass out or give shares of something).
- On the board, draw a quick picture to illustrate the word (i.e., draw a page of homework with arrows pointing from it to multiple students).
- Explain, "Today we are going to explore the distributive property of multiplication."
- Write the name of the property on the board and underline the word "distributive."
Beginning
- Place students with a supportive peer, preferably one who speaks the same home language (L1), to discuss the meaning of "distribute."
Intermediate
- Have students repeat or rephrase the meaning of "distribute" after you define it.
- Give students additional examples of the word "distributing" such as handing out pencils or apples to students.