Multiplication: arrays and repeated addition

In Maths this week Year 1 have been learning how to use bead strings to answer repeated addition sentences. First we used bead strings to count in 2’s, 5’s and 10’s to answer questions such as ‘2+2+2=?’.

Next we drew arrays to show the repeated addition. We worked very hard to count carefully for example when we counted  10+10+10+10=40 we noticed that we needed to draw 10 columns and 4 rows.
Then we looked at repeated addition within pictures. This was exciting as we needed to notice how many eyes or legs the monsters had. This activity supported us with our reasoning skills.

Finally we  used the language of multiplication to explain that 2+2+2 is equal to 3 x 2. We are definitely getting ready for Year 2.

How you can help at home:

  • Count how many lots of toys you have in groups of 2, 5 and 10.
  • Make your own counting chant e.g Give me a 2 (2), give me a 4 (4), give me a 6 (6).