Simple Arrays

Multiplying two numbers can easily be thought of as finding the area of a rectangle. It is simple, direct and very visual strategy.

Using an array of objects or marks can help young children grasp the concept more quickly.

For example:

2 x 4 can be seen as:

two rows of four columns  

 or

 four rows of two columns 

Children who learn to recognise arrays like this, readily grasp the concept of commutativity. As Tandi Clausen-May has suggested (in “Teaching Maths to pupils with different Learning Styles”), arrays of dots can help children to visualise multiplication facts.

These mathstick Simple Arrays are my reworking of Tandi's designs from her book*. They are useful for whole-class, group, or individual mathematics activities. Cut out each of the square blocks of arrays so you have nine separate cards. Hold up each array card in turn and ask the children to say the total number of 'faces' (that's the product), the number of rows (one factor) and the number of columns (the other factor). Rotate the card through 90 degrees to demonstrate that the product does not change – rotate the card through 45 degrees to show that the product still does not change even when the array is 'at an angle'.

When children have gained confidence, challenge them to increase their speed – can they recognise the product as soon as the card is turned? Let the children work in pairs to build their confidence until they can instantly recognise that (for example) a two by four array always has a product of eight.

The downloadable** pdf file, below, contains nine colourful arrays over two A4 pages, each individual array measures 9cm by 9cm.

* Tandi Clausen-May: Teaching Maths to pupils with different Learning Styles (Paul Chapman, 2005). A terrible title for such a very useful book!

** Login/register first to access the downloadable files.

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