Free maths story mini-lesson for Year 3-4 (KS2, Grades 2-3): The Picnic Baskets, a short story that introduces multiplication as equal groups and repeated addition.

Sam and Maya fill 3 baskets with 4 apples each and count 4, 8, 12. Pause-and-think questions help pupils connect 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 with 3 x 4 = 12. They then build the groups with counters, draw their model, complete the equations and explain what each number means, before solving a new basket plan (4 baskets of 3 apples).

What is included (4 pages)

• The Picnic Baskets story with Pause and Think questions
• Build the Picnic Baskets worksheet
• A New Basket Plan worksheet
• Teaching notes and answer key

Ways to use

• Introducing multiplication with concrete resources
• Maths talk and reasoning in small groups
• Intervention or pre-teaching
• Homework with counters or objects at home

The full resource is available here: /teaching-resource/multiplication-and-division-maths-stories-year-3-4-arrays-and-equal-groups-13637975

PDF, US Letter (choose “Fit to page” to print on A4). English.