Learning the multiplication facts of 3 doesn’t have to rely on flashcards or rote memorization. In this post, I’ll show you how to teach the 3s times tables using the Doubles + One More Set strategy, so your students build real understanding and fluency that lasts.

 

 

 

I’ve got a FREE workbook that walks you through the best way to get your students fluent with their math facts. It’s called The 7 Steps to Ensure Math Fact Fluency. Grab your free copy here.

 

So let’s get into what the double plus one set strategy is and how it helps students learn multiplication facts of 3.

 

Multiplication Facts of 3 Strategy

 

We know that multiplication deals with equal groups. So if we see a fact like 3×4, we can think of that as 3 groups of 4. We can also think of it as a repeated addition equation: 4+4+4. 

 

Our brains love doubles facts. You know, like 2+2, 3+3, 4+4. So we can break down multiplication facts of 3 into doubles facts first, then add the remaining set.

 

Let’s look at our example. With 3×4, we first think of the doubles fact of 2×4=8. Then we add one more set of 4. 8+4=12, so 3×4=12.

 

You are just doubling the number and adding one more set!

 

Ready to teach the multiplication facts of 3 to your students? Find my Doubles and One More Set lesson materials here.

 

Now let’s get into how I use these materials to teach these facts with 3s times tables worksheets and activities.

 

How to Teach 3s Times Tables

I first like to introduce the strategy in a visual way. To do this I use slides, or what I call display pages. These walk me through direct instruction. They give plenty of examples and help students see the strategy in a visual way. Plus, it mirrors the 3s times tables worksheets and activities students will use to practice the facts later on.

 

 

The first slide shows a multiplication fact of 3 with a set model. It groups the first 2 sets so that students can see that it’s a doubles fact. Then we just add the remaining set to get the answer.

 

I then show students what this looks like with an area model. The slide shows 2 rows with one color, and the third row with another color. That way students can see the doubles fact and that we just have to add one more set on top of that.

 

I do a similar thing with arrays. I show 2 rows of the array one color and then the third row a different color. Again, this helps students see the doubles fact and that we just have to add another set to that to get the answer.

 

But I want this strategy to become a mental strategy for students. After they understand how it works, we want to take away the models and just use numbers. But I still want to give students a little support. So I show the doubles fact written out, and then underneath that equation I show a plus sign with the set we need to add. Underneath that is the multiplication fact of 3.

 

That way students can have help with thinking about the doubles fact first and add to that to get the answer.

 

Learn more about multiplication models and how to best teach them here in this blog post: 4 Essential Multiplication Models That Set the Foundation to Fluency

 

You can’t just show students this strategy and expect them to master it. They need plenty of practice. So here’s how I get students practice with 3s times tables worksheets and activities.

 

3s Times Tables Worksheets and Activities That Reinforce the Strategy

 

Remember this is about getting students targeted practice with the strategy, so they can master it and the 3s times tables.

 

I have 4 steps to do this:

Step 1: Worksheets

Step 2: Scoot Activities

Step 3: Dry-Erase Task Cards

Step 4: Partner Puzzle Practice

Once I showed students this strategy with set models, area models, arrays, and then just numbers, I’m going to get students practice with all those ways with worksheets that mirror the set up they saw with the display pages.

 

 

After students do the worksheets, I get them more practice with a scoot activity. This is where I tape up task cards around the room. The task cards have pictures of the models. Students go around the room with a recording sheet and write the matching multiplication fact of 3 with its answer.

My students love this activity because it gets them up out of their seats and moving. I like students to work with a partner so that they can work together and keep each other accountable. Find these scoot activities here.

 

 

Later during centers, I have students complete a different set of task cards. These have the equations and numbers rather than just showing the model. I laminate these so students can write on them with dry erase markers. They write the answer to the doubles fact, add one more set, and then write the answer to the multiplication fact of 3.

After that, it’s time to get students even more hands-on practice. So I have them complete a puzzle activity. I just print these off and cut them apart. Students have to match the set model and numbers to the matching equation and answer.

 

 

I also have students work together for this activity so that they can help each other. They will say things like “Okay, here’s the answer to the doubles fact. Let’s line it up here. Now let’s find the extra set we need to add to it.”

 

Without even realizing it, students are reinforcing the doubles and one more set strategy through hands-on play.

 

Ready to teach multiplication facts of 3 in a meaningful way? Find all of these 3s times tables worksheets and activities here.

 

After this practice, students will completely understand how this strategy works and can explain it to others. They can now quickly find the answers to any multiplication facts of 3. And as they get more fluency practice and apply this strategy naturally, they will commit the facts to memory. I like to get students to practice with multiplication fact games. One of my favorites is Multiplication Facts War.

 

When students learn multiplication facts of 3, then they are ready for harder facts like facts of 4, 6,7, and 8. Learn about the strategies I teach for these facts in this blog post here: How to Learn Multiplication Facts Fast: 9 Proven Strategies For Lasting Fluency

 

You may have some other questions regarding multiplication facts of 3 or how to get your students to master math facts. So here are some frequently asked questions I get from teachers and parents:

 

Where does Multiplication Facts of 3 come into the sequence of students learning their facts?

 

You need to first teach what multiplication means. Use models and word problems to do this. That’s where multiplication models come in. Then I teach the easy facts. These are facts of 0, 1, 5, 9, & 10. Then we teach doubles facts. And after that we teach this Doubles Plus One More Set strategy.

 

Isn’t using timed tests the best way for students to learn their 3s times tables? 

 

Not necessarily. Timed tests give many students math anxiety. Or students just memorize for the test and forget the facts afterwards. That’s why I like to teach with strategies instead. It builds meaning behind the facts. This helps students make connections and naturally commit the facts to memory.

 

What are the best strategies for teaching multiplication facts of 3?

 

The best strategy for teaching multiplication facts of 3 is the Doubles Plus One More Set strategy. Students first think of the doubles fact (like 2×4 = 8), then add one more group (8 + 4 = 12) to find the answer to 3×4. This builds number sense and helps students understand why the fact works, not just memorize it. To reinforce the strategy, use visual models (arrays, area models, set models), number-based worksheets, and hands-on games like scoot or puzzles. With repeated practice, students start applying this strategy mentally, making it easier to remember all their 3s times tables.

 

Final Thoughts on Teaching Multiplication Facts of 3

 

Teaching multiplication facts of 3 doesn’t have to rely on drills or timed tests. When you use a strategy like Doubles + One More Set, you help students build real number sense, make meaningful connections, and commit the facts to memory without the stress.

 

With visual models, scaffolded practice, and hands-on activities, your students will not only learn their multiplication facts of 3… they’ll understand them.

 

✨ Want a simple roadmap for helping all your students master their math facts?

Grab your free copy of The 7 Steps to Ensure Math Fact Fluency here.

 

 

Ready to teach the 3s times tables with done-for-you lessons, visuals, worksheets, task cards, puzzles, and games?

 

Find everything inside my Multiplication Facts of 3 Strategy Resource and give your students the tools to thrive in math.

 

Save money and find this resource in my Multiplication & Division Fact Strategy Bundle. 

 

With the right tools and strategies, you’ll set your students up for real success.