Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division build on children's understanding of addition and subtraction. In Key Stage 1, children move from concrete sharing and grouping activities to learning the 2, 5 and 10 times tables by the end of Year 2.

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What This Topic Covers

• Year 1: Solve one-step problems using concrete objects, pictorial representations and arrays
• Year 2: Recall 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables; use x, div and = symbols; understand commutativity; solve problems in context

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Year 1: Concrete Foundations

Grouping and Sharing

Children begin by physically grouping and sharing objects — the conceptual basis of multiplication and division.

Grouping (for multiplication):

"Put 12 counters into groups of 3. How many groups do you have?" 12 counters: 4 groups of 3, so 4 x 3 = 12

Sharing (for division):

"Share 12 apples equally between 4 children. How many does each child get?" 12 / 4 = 3 apples each

Arrays

An array is an arrangement of objects in rows and columns. Arrays make multiplication visual and concrete.

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