NUMERACY

Building Strong Maths Foundations: Teaching Doubling Strategies Alongside Perimeter and Area

In our classroom this term, we've been diving deep into the world of multiplication and measurement—and what a powerful combination it is! One of the most effective strategies we've explored is the double, double and double, double, double method to help students understand and internalise multiplication facts for ×2, ×4, and ×8. Not only has this strengthened their number sense, but it's also beautifully complemented our work on perimeter and area.

Double, Double, Double: Building Multiplication Confidence

Rather than simply memorizing times tables, we've been encouraging students to understand how numbers work and build from what they already know. Here's how we've broken it down:

• Double (x2): Students begin by confidently doubling numbers. If they know 6, then they know double 6 is 12.

• Double, Double (x4): Once x2 feels secure, we build on it. Doubling a number and then doubling the result helps them work out x4. For example, 6 → 12 (double) → 24 (double again).

• Double, Double, Double (x8): We extend this pattern to triple doubling. 6 → 12 → 24 → 48. This helps students see how x8 is simply an extension of what they already know.

What’s been most exciting is watching students realize that these patterns apply across all numbers and help them become flexible, confident thinkers—not just fact memorizers.

Connecting Multiplication to Perimeter and Area

To deepen students understanding, we’ve connected these strategies to real-life geometry through perimeter and area.

• Perimeter is a natural fit for applying doubling strategies. When students calculate the perimeter of a rectangle, they often use:

2 x (length + width)

This is a perfect opportunity to reinforce x2 thinking—why do we double? What does that represent in the shape?

• Area offers an even richer connection. When calculating area (length x width), students often encounter facts they can break down using doubling strategies. For example:

  • Area of a 4m by 6m rectangle = 24m² → Students might calculate this by thinking: "Double 6 is 12, double that again is 24."

  • For an 8m by 5m rectangle = 40m² → They might try: "Double 5 is 10, double again is 20, and double once more is 40."

These calculations give students a purpose for using their multiplication strategies and show them how maths is interconnected. It's not just about numbers—it's about shapes, spaces, and practical problem solving.

Why This Approach Works

• It’s accessible – Doubling is something most children can grasp early on. This scaffolds more complex multiplication without overwhelming them.

• It’s visual – We use number lines, bar models, arrays, and real-world objects to help students "see" what’s happening.

• It’s empowering – Students feel a sense of ownership over their strategies. They aren't just recalling—they’re reasoning.

Representing Fractions on a Number Line

Number lines visually reinforce fraction placement. Steps include:

1. Divide the line into equal sections for quarters, halves, or thirds.

2. Label the points with fractions and mixed numerals.

3. Compare and analyze fraction positions relative to whole numbers.

For example, marking 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 on a number line clarifies how fractions build up to whole numbers.

Why This Skill Matters

• Improves number sense by understanding fractions as parts of a whole.

• Supports problem-solving for real-world applications.

• Prepares for algebra by recognising fraction relationships.

Encouraging hands-on activities, such as fraction strips and games, makes learning engaging and effective.

Final Thoughts

Counting by quarters, halves, and thirds and placing them on a number line is a crucial skill. With practice and visual tools, students develop confidence in working with fractions, strengthening their overall mathematical understanding.

MATHS FLUENCY GROUPS

Our Grade 4 students are having a blast with Maths Fluency Games before each math lesson, three times a week for 10 minutes. These quick games cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, making math fun and engaging!

The kids love working together, helping each other, and sharing strategies. These games boost teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills while preparing them for the lesson ahead.

It's a fun and interactive way to get ready for math class and build strong math fluency. We can’t wait to see what new challenges lie ahead! 🧮🎲✨

Grade 4 students unleashed their creativity in Writer's Notebook with a mystery narrative challenge! They wrote for 5 minutes, then rotated to add twists and turns to each other's stories. From teamwork to suspenseful surprises, the results were imaginative and full of excitement! 🕵️‍♂️📖 

After drawing, we shared our visualisations with the class. Students explained their choices, referencing specific words from the text that inspired their ideas. This helped them see that visualising isn’t just about drawing—it’s about making meaning from the words on the page and bringing stories to life in our own unique way.

Visualising was a fun and engaging way to deepen our understanding of descriptive language. It showed us that there is no right or wrong way to imagine a story—it all depends on how we interpret the words. We can’t wait to use this strategy again in our reading!

How do you visualise when you read? Try closing your eyes, listening to a passage, and drawing what comes to mind. You might be surprised by the images your imagination creates!

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