My daughter is really interested in math, and we try to discuss the concepts behind how math works maybe even more than trying to get her to memorize equations.
One thing that helps kids learn many new math skills — from counting to addition to multiplication — is using physical objects to represent the numbers you are working with.
Math Geek Mama explores how learning multiplication using arrays (a fancy word for a chart of physical objects) helps kids learn that multiplication is working with groups of numbers and that you get the same result whichever way you look at it (two groups of three is the same as three groups of two).
She offers lots of great ideas for teaching multiplication with arrays, often using items you might already have at home or in the classroom such as using counters on a checkerboard, punching holes in a piece of paper, using a Connect 4 board and more. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have kids learning multiplication.
[Photo: Math Geek Mom.]
Looking for more resources? Check out these board games for learning Math and Multiplication?
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