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Multiplication as repeated addition

Understand multiplication as repeated addition and grouping equal sets

ages 5 to 617 practice questionsvideo included

What a learner can do afterwards

Explain that 3 groups of 2 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2
Use objects to make equal groups and count the total
Recognise an array as showing equal rows

1 · Read

Multiplication is a fast way to add. You add the same group many times. We write adding with a + sign, so 2 + 2 + 2 means 2 and 2 and 2 put together.

Tap each star and count out loud.

3 groups of 2 stars is the same as 2 + 2 + 2.

Try it together

Mia has 3 baskets. Each basket has 2 apples. She adds 2 + 2 + 2. That makes 6 apples total.

Tap each apple and count out loud.

Tap to fill the grid, one at a time: 3 rows of 2.

An array shows 3 rows of 2. That is 3 groups of 2, just arranged in neat rows.

An array puts equal groups in rows. Each row is one group, and every row has the same number. 3 rows of 2 is 2 + 2 + 2, which makes 6.

Multiplication means adding the same-size group again and again.

Readings 'Equal groups make multiplication', 'Turning an array around' and 'Plates of grapes' are original to this dataset. All 9 extra questions are original to this dataset.

2 · Watch

Take it off screen

Print a worksheetA4 with an answer key page for grown-ups. No screen, no internet.

Where it sits

Learn first

Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s Addition as combining or putting together two groups

This opens up

Arrays for multiplication (age 7+)Commutative Multiplication Arrays for multiplication What Multiplication Means Times tables Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols

Then practise

17 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

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