Learners see multiplication as equal groups and arrays and connect it to skip counting. Wondy the Globe hosts, and the lesson ends with a quick quiz so learners can check what they remember. Try pausing at each quiz question and letting your learner answer out loud.
What's in this lesson
- Multiplication as equal groups
- Arrays
- Skip counting by 2s and 10s
- A word problem
- A times-table quiz
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About this math lesson
Multiplication is a fast way to add equal groups. This free 3rd grade video shows multiplication with equal groups, arrays and skip counting, so children understand what 3 × 4 means before they memorize times tables.
Key ideas
- 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4, which is 12
- An array shows multiplication as rows and columns
- Skip counting by 4s (4, 8, 12) is the same as multiplying by 4
- Changing the order does not change the answer: 3 × 4 = 4 × 3
Questions parents and teachers ask
How do you explain multiplication to a child?
Show equal groups. Three plates with four cookies each is 3 groups of 4, or 3 × 4 = 12 cookies.
What grade do kids learn multiplication?
Most US students start multiplication in 2nd grade with equal groups and learn their facts to 10 × 10 in 3rd grade.
What is an array in math?
An array is a set of objects arranged in equal rows and columns, like eggs in a carton. It helps kids see multiplication.
