How Does an Array Show Multiplication?

An array is a visual representation that helps illustrate multiplication as a way of forming rows and columns. If your students are wondering how an array represents a multiplication fact, check out this quick primer from our teacher team!

An array is a visual representation that helps illustrate multiplication as a way of forming rows and columns. Let’s say you are given the multiplication fact 6 x 3. In this example, the first number (6) represents the number of rows. The second number (3) represents the number of columns.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

After placing the objects in rows and columns, fill in the array to make a grid-like shape. This array can help students see the relationship between each factor and the product.

Array Games for 3rd Grade

Teach Starter has created an engaging dice game for your third graders to use when learning how to represent multiplication problems with arrays. This teacher-created resource comes with an instruction sheet, game board (available in both color and black and white), 25 product cards, accompanying recording sheets and an answer key.

To prepare this activity, first cut out the product cards. Laminate the cards, answer key and game board. Supply students with the game board, product cards, a pair of dice, and their recording sheets, including the extra arrays worksheet.

With a few simple directions, your students will be able to start this game.

• To play this multiplication game, guide students to lay out the product cards so that they can easily read them.
• The oldest player goes first by rolling one of the dice. This will be the number of ROWS in the array. Then, roll the second die. This will be the number of COLUMNS in the array.
• Using these two numbers, find the array on the game board and cover it up with the correct product card. The other player will check the answer using the answer key.
• Write down the multiplication fact on your recording sheet.
• The game is finished when all of the arrays are covered up.

How to Get Your Array Dice Game

If you are ready for your students to have fun with this math dice game, head on over to the green download button! Here, you can find the quick-print PDF document and the editable Google Slides file. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This gameboard includes a color version and a black-and-white version of the gameboard.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Multiplication Arrays! Printable and Digital Activities for Your Classroom

If you are looking to add some additional multiplication resources to your classroom, make sure to check out some of our suggested activities below!

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