Multiplication as repeated addition
Understand multiplication as repeated addition and grouping equal sets
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Multiplication is equal groups. 3 groups of 2 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2. An array shows equal rows, which is another way to see the same total.”
Bring to the table
- 12 large counters or blocks
- 4 small cups or paper circles for groups
- Paper and pencil
Full guide and materials
- 12 large counters or blocks
- 4 small cups or paper circles for groups
- Paper and pencil
- Step 1. Make 3 cups with 2 counters in each. Count the total 6 and say “3 groups of 2.”
- Step 2. Write 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 and connect it to the cups.
- Step 3. Build an array with 3 rows of 4 counters. Count by rows and say the total 12.
- Step 4. Have your child build 4 groups of 3 and tell the repeated addition sentence.
- Quick check. Success means your child builds equal groups for one multiplication story, writes or says the matching repeated addition, and reads one array as equal rows with a total.
Worked example. 3 groups of 2 → 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. Array of 3 rows of 4 → 4 + 4 + 4 = 12, or 3 groups of 4.
Optional challenge. Turn 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 into “4 groups of 2” and build the matching array.
What to notice. Save a photo of the groups or array and a parent note with one equation such as “2 + 2 + 2 = 6.”
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Multiplication is equal groups. 3 groups of 2 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2. An array shows equal rows, which is another way to see the same total.
Spend about 15 minutes building equal groups, writing the repeated addition, and making one small array.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
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Learning resources
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Check understanding
- 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
“If your child needs to count 4 bags with 3 apples in each, can they see that instead of counting all 12 one by one, they could add 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 — or say '4 groups of 3'?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Multiplication & Division
- Age range
- Ages 5–6
Standards