Module 4 Calculating
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Can I describe an array and write number sentences about it?

Example review questions

Describe this array: Three rows of five counters

  • How many 5s can you see? How many 3s can you see? How many spots altogether? What addition sentences could you write? What multiplication sentences could you write?
  • How many 5s are in 15? What division sentence could you write?
  • How many 3s are in 15? What division sentence could you write?
  • How many stars are there? Explain how you know without counting them all. What number sentences could you write to describe the stars?
    Two rows of five stars
  • Take 20 counters and arrange them in equal rows? How many rows are there? How many columns are there? Can you arrange the counters in a different way?

Teaching guidance

This teaching guidance document suggests some of the key vocabulary, models, images and practical equipment that children should experience and be able to use. It also includes some teaching tips to provide a few starting points for ways of supporting children with this area of mathematics.

PDF file Can I describe an array and write number sentences about it? - teaching guidance | 71KB new window

Consolidation and practice

These resources are to support children in guided or independent work.

PDF file ITP Guide | 4317KB new window

SWF file Multiplication facts ITP | 26KB new window

XLS file Array creator spreadsheet | 49KB new window

PDF file Array creator spreadsheet guide | 68KB new window

PDF file Understanding multiplication and division models and images chart | 333KB new window

Supporting children with gaps in their mathematical understanding

PDF file Does not focus on 'rows of' or 'columns of', but only sees an array as a collection of ones | 81KB new window

PDF file Resource booklet | 501Kb new window

Opportunities to use and apply

Possible contexts include:

  • Ask children to find examples of arrays in everyday life, e.g. eggs in an egg box, sections of chocolate in a bar, stamps on a sheet, panes of glass in a window, classroom drawer sets.
  • Word problems, e.g. eggs can come in boxes of 6. Draw how the eggs are arranged in the box? What multiplication and division sentences could you write to describe them?
  • Buns can come in packs of 12.
    How might they be arranged in the pack?
    What multiplication and division sentences could you write?
  • Problem solving, e.g. twelve counters can be arranged like this to form a rectangle. What other numbers between 10 and 20 could you use to make a rectangle? Write as many multiplication and division sentences as you can for each number you have chosen.
    Three rows of four counters

Confirming learning

Ask probing questions such as:

  • There are 12 chairs arranged in three rows. How long is each row? What multiplication and division sentences could you write about the chairs?
  • Make up a story about this number sentence 5 × 3. What array could you draw?
  • Create different arrays using 30 counters? Write the number sentences to match your arrays.
  • Draw me a picture to show me why 2 × 5 and 5 × 2 both make 10.
  • Would you rather have a bar of chocolate in an array of
    5 × 3 pieces or a bar of chocolate in an array of 2 × 6 pieces? Why?
  • Oliver said he could draw an array of 11 objects.
    This is what he drew. Do you agree with him?
    Can you draw an array of 11 objects?
    11 objects