Multiplication & Division

Dear Parents

We have started the topic 'Multiplication & Division' today.
The children will need to know:

• Multiplication means repeated addition


• Division means sharing equally


• The word 'each' means one


• The symbols of '×' and '÷' and its meaning


• In 3 x 2 = 6, the first factor '3' is known as 'group'. We read as 3 groups of 2 (items).


• Mulitplication tables of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10


• Solve 1-step word problems involving multiplication and division within the multiplication tables

Exclude division with remainder.

We revised these concepts today:

• 6 + 6 + 6 = 18


• 6 + 6 + 6 = 3 groups of 6


• 6 + 6 + 6 = 3 sixes


• 6 + 6 + 6 = 3 x 6 = 18

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The purpose of the dot paper in the Math textbook is for the children to conceptualise the concept of 'group and items'. Multiplication array and the commutative aspect of the multiplication sentence (5 times 2 = 2 times 5) also apply. I will explain the shortcut next time. Before children see the pictorial form, introduce to them using authentic materials like:

I have to credit the canteen vendors for keeping the egg cartons for me. Keep those plastic egg trays from supermarket too. They come in 4s, 6s, 10s, 12s etc. You'll never see egg trays in the same way again!

I was introduced to this game (see photo below) when I was young. I think it kind of help me to see the multiplication array. Here's the link to the virtual game:

Or you can try: http://www.ictgames.com/arrayDisplay.html