How Do You Use Equal Groups for Multiplication?

Equal groups are a fantastic way to introduce multiplication to students in a visual and hands-on manner. Start by explaining that multiplication is a way of adding groups of the same size. For instance, if you have 3 groups of 4 apples each, you’re essentially doing 3 times 4.

To demonstrate this concept, use physical objects like counters, blocks or pictures. Arrange these objects into equal groups. For example, if you have 4 groups of 5 apples, lay out 4 sets of 5 apples each. Then, count the total number of apples by either adding all the apples together or by multiplying the number of groups by the number in each group.

Encourage students to see the relationship between addition and multiplication by expressing multiplication as repeated addition. In the case of 4 groups of 5 apples, it’s 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 or 4 x 5.

Teach Your Students to Use Equal Group Multiplication

If you are ready for your students to have fun while also learning how to relate equal group models and multiplication facts, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a small group Bingo game to help your students solidify their understanding of representing multiplication with visual models. This teacher-created resource comes with 16 unique BIngo boards and 16 calling cards. 

To play the game, the teacher will choose a calling card and read it aloud to the students. Some of the cards have facts, such as 4 x 5, and others have a word form example, such as 4 groups of 5. Students will look on their Bingo boards to see if there is a visual representation to match the calling card.

Students will place a counter over the correct answer and each calling card is announced. The first student to get 4 counters in a row wins!

How to Get Your Math Bingo Multiplication Printable Game

Are you ready to use this Bingo game with your math centers? Head on over to the green download button! Here, you will find the quick-print PDF file as well as the editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

Consider printing the gameboards and calling cards on cardstock and laminating them for durability.

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

Looking for More Equal Group Multiplication Resources?

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

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Multiplication Mountain (Equal Groups) Board Game

Reinforce how to use equal groups to solve multiplication problems with this printable math game.

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Equal Groups Multiplication Task Cards

Highlight how to use equal groups to solve multiplication problems with this set of 24 task cards.

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Introduction to Multiplication Strategies Teaching Slides

Introduce your students to different multiplication strategies such as arrays, equal groups, repeated addition and skip counting with this 34-page slide deck.