Array Games

Warm Up Games - Times Tables  

Being able to quickly recall times tables is an essential skill for solving mental maths questions. However, the importance is not on being able to recall rote learnt facts but to understand what the fact means.  The following array activity can help children to remember and understand times table facts in  a visual way.

You will need

2 or more players, a selection of counters or small items (pasta is great) and a dice.

How to play

- Each player rolls a die and makes that many rows (e.g. 6)

- Roll the die again and place that many counters in each row (e.g. 5)

- How many counters all together?  Invite your partner to check.  (e.g. 30)

- Extension - write / say / chant the multiplication or division fact that matches the array.  (e.g. 6x5 = 30  5x6 = 30    30 ÷ 6 = 5    30 ÷ 5 = 6).

- The player with the most counters wins the round and the point.  The first to five points wins!

Make it a challenge by using a die with more than 6 sides.  There are lots of websites and apps that feature random dice spinners.  Try googling ‘virtual dice’ to get started.