Ashleigh's Education Journey

Helpful 3rd – 5th Grade Teaching Resources


  • Math


  • Reading


  • Writing


  • Social Studies


  • Science


  • Holidays


  • Test Prep

  • Home
  • Blog
    • General Ideas
    • Holidays
    • Literacy
    • Management/Organization
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Shop
    • My account
    • My Downloads
    • My Cart
    • Checkout
    • Shop on TpT
  • About
  • Free Resources
  • Contact

Differentiated Array Task Cards

July 7, 2022 by Ashleigh | Leave a Comment

These differentiated array task cards are different from my typical resource. They are specifically designed for students who need extra support in math. I’ve found that after Covid I need to back track and reteach far more than usual. These tasks cards are scaffolded in order to prepare students for multi-digit multiplication. They begin with the most basic skills (reading arrays) and gradually increase in difficulty. You can use all the cards or pick the ones needed for your students.

One of my favorite ways to implement these task cards is in a small group setting. This allows me to really dig-in and focus on skills that are giving students difficulty. I do not recommend assigning all the cards at one time. Instead, I would use the cards to guide my small group instruction.

Reading Arrays Using Dots

This is the most basic portion of the task cards. Students use the arrays to write multiplication equations. If this is challenging for students, we stay on this or backtrack even further. If it’s easy for students, we move to the next section.

Reading Arrays on Grids

When I was originally teaching third grade, I didn’t see the importance of teaching arrays on grids. I assumed that dots, stars, or any other element was enough. However, now that I’ve taught fourth grade and have worked extensively with students and area models and arrays with multi-digit multiplication and division, I see the importance. Students need to be very comfortable with arrays in the grid format.


Combining Arrays

It’s a bit hard to see the shading on the arrays shown below. If you look closely, part of each array is green and part of each array is blue. In this section students write a multiplication equation for the blue array and the green array. This sets the stage for the distributive property in a small, incremental step.


Draw Arrays on Grid Paper

Outlining arrays isn’t always easy for students. Don’t ask me why, but it isn’t! When students reach this portion of the task cards, they draw arrays on grid paper. This is another small step toward multi-digit multiplication. It’s important because far too frequently I see students unable to draw an array on grid paper. It’s good to address this before multiplying larger numbers.


Partition Arrays

The next step toward multi-digit multiplication is teaching students how to partition arrays. Eventually, we want students to independently determine how to break apart the array. In this portion of the assignment, students are told the dimensions. Not all students will need this level of guidance, and it’s okay to skip this step! However, you may be surprised at how many students need this practice.


Outline AND Partition Arrays

In the arrays above, the total is already outline for students. For example, when students partition an array to show 8×7 and 8×3, the total of 8×10 is already created for students. In the next step, students must also outline the total array. In the example below, students first draw an array to represent 8×10. Then, they can partition it to show 3×10 and 5×10. You can also see how the recording sheet correlates with the task cards.

Partial Arrays

In the next step, students are given PART of an array and use the total to complete the remaining part. You can see how this is another step toward the distributive property and even partial products.

Distributive Property

Finally! It’s time for the distributive property. In this section, students write a multiplication equation using the distributive property that is represented in the array. In one of the examples below, students would write (3×3) + (5×3). The format of the equation is included on the student recording sheet.

Look How Far We’ve Come

In the final section of the task cards, students draw and partition an array to represent a multiplication problem using the distributive property. This gives students the opportunity to put it all together. Once students are successful with this level of task, they are ready to begin multi-digit multiplication!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

Subscribe!

GET RESOURCES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

I’m Ashleigh!

Hi everyone! I'm Ashleigh, and I'm thrilled that you're here! I'm currently working on my 11th year teaching, which absolutely blows my mind! I can't believe I've been teaching for one-third of my life! … Read More…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Access to Freebie Library

Success! Now check your email to receive the password to my free resource library!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
3rd Grade Math Bundle Sidebar Feature

Looking for something?

Or Browse by Category

  • Back to School
  • Comprehension
  • Distance Learning
  • End of Year
  • Freebies
  • Games
  • General Ideas & Resources
  • Holidays
  • Literacy
  • Lower Elementary
  • Management/Organization
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Test Prep
  • Uncategorized
  • Upper Elementary
  • Writing

Follow by Email


  • Math


  • Reading


  • Writing


  • Social Studies


  • Science


  • Holidays


  • Test Prep

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Kate On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in