This document provides 16 teaching ideas for teaching multiplication and division to students. The teaching ideas include revising number patterns online, investigating multiples, using visual representations and words to teach concepts, creating instructional videos and songs with QR codes, using apps and games to practice, exploring arrays with blocks and in the environment, playing games like the array game to practice, creating a multiplication pyramid together, and using strategies like Study Ladder for rapid recall practice. Bloom's Taxonomy and Multiple Intelligences are also incorporated into activity ideas.

1. Multiplication & Division
By Joanne Villis
X ÷

2. AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM Y3
› Recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and
related division facts (ACMNA056
› Represent and solve problems involving multiplication
using efficient mental and written strategies and
appropriate digital technologies (ACMNA057)
X ÷

3. Teaching idea 1
Before I start teaching
multiplication and division, I
like to revise number
patterns. A great online
resource to support this
investigation is Splat
Square.
http://www.primarygames.
co.uk/pg2/splat/splatsq1
00.html
X ÷

4. Teaching idea 2
Invite students to investigate multiples. For example, ask
students what do they know and what can they find out
about the multiples of 2 (ie 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…)? Then ask them
the same investigative question for 3, 5 and 10.
I like to use this question from Open-ended Maths Activities
(Sullivan & Liburn, 2008):
A number was shown as a set of dots. Part of the pattern
looks like the pattern below. What might the number be?
How did you know?
X ÷

5. Teaching idea 3
I teach multiplication and division simultaneously so that
students develop an understanding of the difference
between them. When I initially begin teaching I use the
term ‘groups of’ instead of the symbol for multiplication.
Similarly, for division I use the term ‘put into groups of’
instead of the symbol.
X ÷

6. Teaching idea 3 continued…
I demonstrate how to represent multiplication and division
visually on the whiteboard. Then ask students to use the
same method to visually explain the 2, 5 and 3
multiplication and division number sets. This takes some
time for students to complete. I also like to invite students
to write the number sentence using words and symbols.
For example,
2 groups of 3 equals 6 or 2x3=6
6 put into groups of 2 equals 3 in each group or 6/2=3
X ÷

7. Teaching idea 4
I recorded a video demonstration of myself explaining
multiplication and division. I then uploaded it to YouTube
can create a QR code. Students then glue the QR code
into their math book and if they needed revision at anytime
they scan the QR code, watch the video and then continue
with their work. There are plenty of video tutorials online
which you can choose from if you don’t want to create your
own. I also created QR codes for YouTube raps, rhymes or
songs in order to help students remember number facts.
X ÷

8. Teaching idea 4 continued…
To create a QR code, I use QRStuff.com. Simply paste in
the URL (YouTube link) and it will generate a QR code for
you.
X ÷
QR code for my tutorial using the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPcP9wI
4w2c
QR code for a 2x tables song using the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2wBED
DiCzQ

9. Teaching idea 5
Introduce students to simple worded problems using
multiplication, then division and then a combination of
both. Writing worded problems can be time consuming to I
use a free math word generator from Mathsaids.com. Once
students are familiar with answering worded problems ask
students to write their own for a peer to answer.
X ÷

10. Teaching idea 6
Ask students to practice learning their times tables online.
Below are some links which I like to use:
http://www.multiplication.com/games
http://www.ictgames.com/multinumberlines.html
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_PenguinJumpMultip
lication.html
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_GrandPrixMultiplica
tion.html
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_MeteorMultiplicatio
n.html
X ÷

11. Teaching idea 7
Invite students to practice multiplication and division facts
using iPad apps. Below are my favourite ones:
X ÷
Divide it up
(free)
Math Splat
($1.29)
Wipeout Wall
($0.99)
FlashToPass
(free)

12. Teaching idea 8
Introduce students to arrays. I great way to do this is to
model arrays on an interactive whiteboard. I use the same
grid background as students have in their books. It is also a
good idea to give students flip blocks (square tiles) so that
they can make, turn and manipulate the blocks in order to
create arrays. Using the
image on this slide, how
might students turn the
array to create a different
one?
X ÷

13. Teaching idea 9
Use Lego blocks to explore arrays. Ask student to select a
block and record the array. Can they turn the block to create
a different array?
X ÷
2x4=8 If you turn this block so that
it is vertical the array becomes
4x2=8.

14. Teaching idea 10
Ask students to find arrays in the environment. If you have
iPads, invite students to use Explain Everything to annotate
their discoveries.
X ÷

15. Teaching idea 11
Play the Array Game. This teaching idea was found on
AustralianCurriciulumLessons.co/au and my students loved
it. Students “play in pairs each has their own 10×10 grid.
Each player rolls 2 6-side dice and colours in the area on the
grid indicated by the dice. For example, if a player rolls a 2
and a 3 they colour in any 2×3 rectangle. Students write
down their multiplication fact (2×3) inside the squares they
have blocked. Students play until one player cannot fit an
array. The last student to make a full array win” (source).
Following the web link you will find the 10x10 grid as a PDF
which can be downloaded.
X ÷

16. Teaching idea 11 continued…X ÷
We played the Array Game on the whiteboard together and then
students played in pairs. To add another element of excitement we
used electronic dice which light up and reveal a number.

17. Teaching idea 12
Students play in pairs. Each pair requires 6 plates, 1 dice and
some counters. Start with 15 counters but you can easily use
more or less depending on your students. Player 1 rolls the
dice. The number on the dice indicates the number of plates
the player selects. The player then shares the 15 counters
evenly amongst the number of plates and keeps the
leftovers. If there are no left overs, the player scores 0. Then
the player’s partner has their turn. Encourage students to
record their results each time. For example, 15/2=7 R0.
Game source: The Teacher Studio Blog
X ÷

18. Teaching idea 13X ÷
Create a multiplication pyramid. I like to set
this activity up on a table so that students
can work on it in the morning or if they finish
work early. The idea is for the class to work
together to create pyramids.
Start with a base of 9x9. Then add an 8x8 layer, followed by a 7x7
layer, until you finally have a single block at the top. This is not my
original idea.
Game Source: Mr Ray’s Blog

19. Teaching idea 14X ÷
I regularly use Study Ladder Rapid recall in order to
generate multiplication sheets for students. Once you have
generated a sheet, print if off and ask students to fold the
answers underneath. Then set a timer and say go!
Students answer the questions as fast as they can and
record the time taken at the top of their page. They then
unfold the answers and mark their own math mental!

20. Teaching idea 15X ÷
Bloom’s Taxonomy (modified)
Remembering:
Write as many multiplication facts you can think of which
have an answer of 16? What about 12? etc…
Write as many division facts as you can think of which have
an answer of 5? What about 10? etc…
Understanding (comprehension, application):
The number 12 is halfway between two numbers. What
might those two numbers be?

21. Teaching idea 15 continued…X ÷
Analysing:
Explain the relationship between halving and dividing by
two. (Source: Emry, Lewis & Mophett (2006), Open ended
math tasks, p.48).
Synthesising:
Is multiplication or division more difficult to learn and
understand? Explain your reasons.
Creating:
Design a game using multiplication or division.

22. Teaching idea 16X ÷
Multiple Intelligences
Verbal/Linguistic: List mathematical words used to
describe multiplication and division.
Logical/Mathematical: Write a series of steps to explain the
process of multiplication and division
Visual/Spatial: Explain multiplication and division visually
using a series of diagrams.
Musical/Rhythmic: Write a tongue twister or a short poem
about multiplication and division. (Source: Emry, Lewis &
Mophett (2006), Open ended math tasks, p.49).

23. Teaching idea 16
X ÷
Bodily/Kinesthetic:
How could you use your fingers and toes to help you explain
multiplication or division facts? (Source: Emry, Lewis & Mophett
(2006), Open ended math tasks, p.49).
Interpersonal:
Which multiplication and division fact sets are the hardest or
easiest to explain. Work with a partner, discuss your ideas and
create guide for kids. Which facts should kids lean firs? Why?
Intrapersonal:
Write an explanation of what you have learnt during Math about
multiplication and division.

24. CopyrightX ÷
Throughout this PowerPoint I have
acknowledged ideas which were not my
original ideas. These resources may be shared and used
for educational purposes only. Commercial use is not
permitted.
CONTACT DETAILS:
jvillis@inter-tech.com.au
My Blog: http://intertecheducation.edublogs.org/
My Pinterest Page: http://www.pinterest.com/joannevillis/