Cookie Arrays

Arrays aren't always an exciting topic to teach, but cookie arrays will hook your kids for sure!

In this array lesson,  kids were engaged, the practice was differentiated and it was a great way to end a week of learning about arrays.

For this lesson, I used:

• aluminum foil to use as baking trays
• cookie clipart- )These aren't the ones I used but you can find black and white chocolate chip cookies here)
• scissors
• glue sticks
• index card

Array Lesson Prep

• tearing off aluminum foil sheets
• cut out blocks of cookies in different array numbers (I used 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30)

How To Teach the Cookie Array Lesson

• Review array vocabulary- row, column, equation, repeated addition
• Each student got a cookie tray and sheet of cookies to cut out (This is how I differentiated!  Each student got a different amount of cookies to form into an array based on need.)
• Students cut the cookies out and arranged them on a tray.
• After students got their cookie arrangement approved, they glued the cookies and colored them.
• After gluing the cookies, students wrote a repeated addition equation to show how many cookies they had.

Other Thoughts

• I used Christmas cookies, but you could use regular cookies or cookies for any holiday!
• How fun would it be to actually bake cookies?  That sounds like a great homeschool lesson!

I loved this lesson for a couple of reasons!

For one thing, the differentiation was so easy.  Students who were struggling received a small number of cookies (4, 6, 8, 9).  Students who had a fair grasp received a middle amount (12, 15, 20) and my students ready for a challenge received a large number of cookies (25 or 30).

I also loved this lesson because the kids LOVED this activity!  They were happy and engaged while they worked!  (Also, admin did a walk through and THEY loved this lesson!)

What is your favorite activity when teaching arrays? Drop me a note a let me know!