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Free Multiplication Printable for Introducing Multiplication to Primary Learners

We all know that introducing multiplication can sometimes be a tricky concept for our students to understand. From my experience, it’s best to keep it simple and not overcomplicate your lessons and activities! Read on to grab a free multiplication printable and learn how this beginning multiplication strategy can be helpful in teaching students about repeated addition and multiplication!

Introducing Multiplication with Examples of Repeated Addition and Equal Groups

As teachers, we’re always told not to reinvent the wheel. I learned this trick for introducing multiplication when I was student teaching and it has stuck with me ever since. It’s called the G.E.T strategy!

G.E.T stands for Groups x Each = Total.

This beginning multiplication strategy is classroom tested and is an effective way to introduce multiplication and practice various examples of repeated addition with your students.

This strategy is so powerful for students, so I’ve created a free multiplication printable that you can grab at the bottom of this post so you can use the G.E.T strategy with your students, too!

free multiplication printable

How to Use the G.E.T Mat Free Multiplication Printable

This G.E.T Mat free multiplication printable is super easy to prep and use with your students. You can laminate it or slide it into a wipeable pocket to use time and time again. I love using these work mats at the small group table to practice different repeated addition examples and multiplication problems. It can be easily differentiated to meet the needs of all of your learners and meet them right where they’re at, which is the ultimate goal of small group instruction!

The G.E.T. Mat free multiplication printable allows students to connect the concept of repeated addition to multiplication.

By working with various repeated addition examples, students will begin to understand that multiplication is the same as repeated addition. This G.E.T mat helps students break down multiplication problems into equal groups so that they can practice skip counting to find their answer.

introducing multiplication with the GET mat

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of exactly how to use this when introducing multiplication:

Step 1:  Draw the “groups,” which is always the FIRST factor in the problem. I always have students draw circles since it’s the easiest.

Step 2: Next, draw the “each,” which is the SECOND factor in the problem. I have students draw dots. They love making this look like a cookie, which helps them relate to this strategy even more!

Step 3: Lastly, use repeated addition to solve and write the total number. 4 groups of 5 = 20. Students write their total to fill in the problem, 4 x 5 = 20.

To recap how to use the G.E.T Mat, give each student a repeated addition example card. They will draw the equal groups and then write it out to create a repeated addition sentence and multiplication sentence to match!

This strategy is not only fun, but it also helps when moving into word problems and higher order thinking skills!

examples of repeated addition

How to Get the Free Multiplication Printable

You can get this free multiplication printable G.E.T mat to use with your students, too! Simply fill out the form below to have it sent straight to your inbox. Please note that home email addresses work best due to school spam filters.

I hope you found this strategy helpful when it comes to introducing multiplication. If you’re looking for more beginning multiplication activities, check out the resources below or in my TPT Store!

For more tips and ideas for introducing multiplication, check out these posts on the blog:

free multiplication printable G.E.T mat
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