Counting & Casework

How the lesson starts: Counting & Casework

Pet Parade day!
It's Pet Parade day! Juno runs the costume stand with capes, hats and tasty treats. Every pet wants a one-of-a-kind look. How many outfits are possible? Let's learn to count smart, without listing forever!
One of each: multiply
Put 3 capes across the top and 4 hats down the side. Each box in the grid is one outfit: one cape with one hat. There are 4 rows of 3 boxes. That's 3 × 4 = 12 outfits. Why multiply? Every cape pairs with every hat.
Multiply or add?
Ask one question: do I pick one of EACH, or just ONE thing? 4 shirts and 5 hats, one of each: 4 × 5 = 20 outfits. But a treat is just one thing: 5 fruit treats or 3 crackers. Pick from one group or the other, so add: 5 + 3 = 8 choices.