Array and Bar Model Mats for Developing Multiplication Understanding

Understanding multiplication requires students to move beyond memorising facts and develop a strong conceptual understanding of how numbers are grouped and represented. Visual models such as arrays and bar models help students make connections between multiplication facts, repeated addition and equal groups.

These array and bar model mats provide students with structured opportunities to represent multiplication in multiple ways. Using task cards, counters and drawings, students build arrays, complete bar models and investigate different multiplication situations. Activities include creating arrays, finding multiple ways to represent a product, matching models to multiplication expressions and exploring mathematical patterns.

The resource encourages flexible thinking and supports students as they develop efficient multiplication strategies. By modelling their thinking, students strengthen their mathematical reasoning and build confidence with multiplicative concepts.

Multiplication Strategies That Bring Maths to Life

These multiplication strategies activities can be used in a variety of engaging ways, including:

• Maths Mat Rotations: Place the mats in small-group stations and have students rotate through different task card challenges.Encourage students to discuss the different representations they create.
• Counter Challenge: Provide students with a set number of counters and challenge them to build as many arrays as possible for a given product.Compare and discuss the arrays created.
• Maths Talk Investigation: Use the challenge cards as discussion prompts. Ask students to explain patterns they notice when comparing arrays such as 3 × 5 and 5 × 3.

These hands-on tasks help make multiplication visible and accessible for all learners.

Download These Array and Bar Model Multiplication Activities

These array and bar model multiplication activities are available as a ready-to-download PDF and an editable Google Slides version.

Use the Download button to access your preferred file type. Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides resource before editing.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a TeachStarter collaborator.

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