Engaging Ideas for Teaching Multiplication with Repeated Addition

If you’ve ever watched any of my Facebook Live videos or follow me on social media, you know that I am a HUGE fan of anchor charts! I always introduce a new concept by creating one whole group together. I then have students also create a mini one in their math journals so that they always have it to reference. This is especially helpful for multiplication with repeated addition and arrays lessons!

Typically, second grade teachers introduce multiplication with repeated addition and arrays towards the end of the school year. It’s that time of year where teachers have to pull out all the tricks to keep students engaged. Today, I’m going to share some simple ideas for teaching multiplication with repeated addition and arrays.

1. G.E.T. Strategy

Before diving into arrays, I recommend teaching students how to create and identify equal groups. The G.E.T strategy is my favorite way to introduce beginning multiplication strategies to my second grade students. G.E.T stands for groups x each = total. 

Here is how it works: 

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

Step 2: Next, they draw the “each” which is the SECOND factor in the problem. I have them draw dots. They like that it looks like cookies and it helps them relate.

Step 3: Last, they write their total number. 4 groups of 5 = 20. They write their total to fill in the problem 4 x 5 = 20.

You can read more about this activity and grab this FREE multiplication mat at Introducing Multiplication To Primary Learners!

2. Playdough Equal Groups

Who doesn’t love playdough?!? Playdough = instant engagement no matter the age!

For this Playdough Multiplication with Repeated Addition activity, each student will receive a can of playdough (or 2 kids can share one can). They will also need a pencil to create dots on their playdough. The playdough will be used to create equal groups and then use the end of their pencil to create how many are in each group.

For example 4 groups of 2. They’ll create 4 playdough balls and then flatten them out. Then they will add 2 dots with their pencil to each group. After they’ve created their visual, they’ll write a repeated addition sentenced to match. 

3. Use Food as Manipulatives

Who doesn’t love learning with snacks? Anytime I ever busted out a bag of fruit loops or skittles, my class instantly became excited. You can step up your multiplication with repeated addition lessons by having students create equal groups using:

• Skittles
• M&M’s
• Fruit Loops
• Cheerios
• Cheez-It Crackers

On their desks or white board, have them draw their circles to create their groups. Then use their food manipulatives to show how many are in each group. 

You can also use food to create arrays using columns and rows. You can grab this activity inside of my Multiplication & Division Unit!

4. Columns and Rows

Arrays bring multiplication lessons to a whole other level because columns and rows are involved. We have to constantly remind students that columns are vertical (up and down) and that rows are horizontal (go across). 

Help them distinguish the difference between columns and rows with this cross poster. It’s the perfect visual for reference throughout the year. I have them create a mini one in their math journal too. 

You can grab this columns and rows poster in my free resource library. Simply enter your email address below and instructions will be sent straight to your inbox. I do recommend using your personal email address. Sometimes these types of emails get blocked by school spam filters. 

5. Dab an Array with Bingo Daubers

This fun bingo dauber activity is part of my Multiplication and Division Guided Math Unit. Students use dice to determine the numbers used to create their array. Then, using their dauber, they write the matching repeated addition sentence and multiplication sentence. 

6. Stencil Arrays

I got this idea from my daughter’s stencil set. This set is great for both boys and girls because there is everything from princesses to dinosaurs to emojis! You can easily differentiate your multiplication with repeated addition lessons using arrays with these stencils.

Have students roll 2 dice and then create an array based off the numbers they roll. Create the arrays in their math journals and then ask students to write an addition sentence underneath. You can even take it one step further and have your learners write a word problem to match!

Check out my Facebook LIVE video where I show you how you can do this fun and engaging activity for addition & subtraction, as well! You can even create an array mural for an end of the year spiral review activity!

7. Sticker Arrays

In their math journal or using this Sticker Array Activity, have them create an array using stickers. Then they can create a word problem underneath that matches the array they created. 

For more multiplication ideas, you can check out my Multiplication and Division Unit. It features 10 days worth of done for you lesson plans filled with activities and games to be used as a guide. These plans follow a guided math format that include a warm up, mini whole group lesson, independent practice, and small group ideas for you to use in your classroom.

I hope that you find these activities helpful as you continue teaching multiplication with repeated addition to your learners!

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