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.

Arrays in the Environment

An array of arrays!

In a previous post we focused on how to learn times tables using arrays.   

But St Matthew’s is looking for the most creative array!

We challenge you to look for arrays in the environment and take a photo.  Either upload to facebook or email them to stmatthews@parra.catholic.edu.au

Try adding a maths fact to match!

Happy Arraying!

Apps for Arrays

There are a lot of great iPad Apps out there for Mathematics. Here are some we recommend for working with arrays.  

Times Tables with Arrays

In Term Three 2015 we had a fantastic parent workshop on arrays.  We plan to run one more workshop next term.  Email rusher3@parra.catholic.edu.au with your suggestions!

Making ‘Times Tables’ 

Times tables are one of those maths skills that not only help with mental computation, but help students feel confident when working mathematically. 

As well as memorising number facts, students must understand them.  

An array is a fabulous way of showing a ‘times table’ fact in a visual way. This can help students to see the multiplication. 

Here is a 5x10 array. It shows 5 equal rows and 10 equal columns. 

To support numeracy learning try making arrays at home 

Use items which are the same size, buttons, pasta shells, lego pieces. Different colours can be helpful for visualising but are not necessary.

Try using dice, number spinners etc to generate the number of rows and columns you are making.

Have paper ready so your child can record their array using numbers and symbols.

Try asking your child:

How can you count your array in a fast way?  (In this one I can count quickly by 5s, 10s or I can see five groups of ten).

Can you write a multiplication fact to match your array?

Is there a different fact that may be used but has the same answer?  (e.g. 5x10  10x5 )

If I made an array that showed 5X10, how can I quickly change it to show 9x5 or 5x11?

How many would you have if I added one more row?  One more column?  doubled my array?  

While covering part of the array ask “How many are there all together?” 

Try searching for arrays in the environment! There are more than you would expect!