Let’s get visual!

Multiplication arrays help students convert the abstract idea of mathematical operations into a concrete idea, allowing them to actually count the products of multiplication instead of imagining them.

To do that, we’ve taken the classic ‘Go Fish’ card matching game and turned it into an engaging multiplication activity.

How to Play Our Multiplication Array Game

The resource would be best used as a maths center activity. After introducing how arrays and multiplication are related, the students can play this game with a partner or practise independently (see next section).

Players get their own hand of 7 cards, with the remainder going in a draw pile. Each round starts when one player asks another for a product represented on one of their own cards (e.g., Do you have 16?). If the other player has any card that contains the product of 16 (the array, the multiplication fact that equals 16 or the product 16), they must hand it over and the next player’s turn begins. If they do not have a matching multiplication card, one is drawn from the centre pile and their turn is over.

When a player has a complete set (a matching array, multiplication fact and product card), they place the set in front of them on their turn.

Play continues until there are no more cards left. The player with the most sets in front of them wins.

Have Some Extra Fun with More Multiplication Activities

Make more use of this multiplication array game to help students build their maths skills.

Independent Play

As a maths center activity for one player, the student can lay out all the cards and sort them into matching multiplication facts, arrays and products.

Memory Match

Bonus points for this version of the game as it helps students with their memorisation skills! As a game for 2 players, students will shuffle all the cards and lay them out face down on a flat surface. Each player takes their turn flipping 3 cards at a time until either finds a matching set of cards (array, product and multiplication fact), placing their matches aside to keep score. The player with the most matches at the end of the game wins.

Draw It! Warm-Up/Exit Activity

This activity can be used as a formative assessment using just the multiplication fact cards.  Project the cards for your whole class to see (as many and as often depends on the duration of your multiplication lesson). On a separate sheet of paper, have each student write the product of the multiplication fact and draw their own array to represent the product.

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

Challenge students by removing the product cards, leaving them to practise with only the multiplication facts and array cards.

Alternatively, you could also take out the array category cards and have students just match the multiplication facts and products.

For students who are having difficulty with this operation, have them start by taking out the multiplication category and only match the array and product cards (totaling the number of objects in the array), then add in the multiplication fact later. Because the array cards are lined up to match the multipliers (e.g., the array card has 2 rows of 4 hearts to match the 2×4 multiplication card), it might be easier for them to visualise how the facts align with the arrays.

Easily Prepare This Maths Game for Your Students

Print the task cards on thick card for added durability and longevity.

Cut out the task cards and place them with the answer key cards and directions in a folder or large envelope for your maths centre or games area.

How to Get Your Arrays Math Game

If you are ready for your students to strengthen their understanding of arrays with a fun matching game, head on over to the green download button! Here you will find the quick-print PDF file and the editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

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This resource was created by Lauren Blankenship, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

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