Fun Ways to Learn Multiplication with Arrays

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?

Remembrance Day (marked as Veterans Day in the United States) is Nov. 11, and it marks the end of hostilities in World War I. Poppies are a traditional symbol of the day because it is said they were the first flower to grow again on the battlefields, which inspired a famous poem. Let’s check out some poppy crafts you can make with your kids as part of a World War I unit or for Remembrance Day.

This pretty poppy craft from Krokotak just requires the printable, some crayons, scissors and glue. The printable includes the center of the flower and kids can draw the outside as well as adding stem.

Glued to My Crafts has a printable for a torn paper poppy, or you could color or paint this one as well.

Use torn or cut pieces of paper to make these poppy suncatchers from Red Ted Art.

Happy Hooligans has a bunch of great poppy crafts but I particularly like the painted rocks and easy paper plate poppy.

Crafty Morning has a cute poppy craft made with fingerprints, which is quick and easy to do with kids of any age.

Older kids and adults can make these folded paper poppies from Chica and Jo, but they do involve hot glue and floral wire, which can be sharp, so it’s not for young kids. An easier paper poppy that only calls for regular craft glue can be found at Sugar Spice and Glitter. This one also has a printable template to make it easier.

These felt poppies from One Little Project also use a glue gun and a sewing needle, but they’re so pretty I couldn’t resist sharing them for older kids. Add a pipe cleaner stem or turn them into pins to wear for remembrance events. Check out their coffee filter poppy craft for a great option for younger kids.

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