Multiplication and Division in Second Grade

We recently introduced multiplication to the second graders, a concept they generally have an understanding of and are able to grasp intuitively.  When I initially asked the class what they knew about multiplication, they were able to give some examples of multiplication number sentences that they knew, proudly stating, "3x5=15" or "2x4=8."  Through hands on practice with multiplication, the students have  expanded their understanding of multiplication to include the idea of equal groups as being an essential part of multiplication.  In fact at the beginning of of exploration of multiplication we say, "4 groups of 5" instead of, "4 times 5" when reading a problem aloud so that we can reinforce the understanding of multiplication as "groups of."

One of our initial multiplication activities was a game called "Circles and Stars," which helped students practice creating and answering simple multiplication sentences.  In this partner activity, each person would roll a die once and draw that number of circles.  He/she would then roll again and draw that number of stars in each circle.  They would then create an equation to go with their drawing.  This activity provides a strong visual representation of multiplication as repeated addition. 

After spending a few days working on multiplication, we connected our study to division.  Students were well aware that multiplication is repeated addition and quickly grasped that division is repeated subtraction.  Understanding that both multiplication and division deal with equal groups is important before they learn about the operations at higher levels.

To try at home:

Show your child equal groups of an object, for example, 3 groups of 5 beans. 
• Have your child count the number of groups and the number of beans in each group.
 • Have your child write the relevant addition and multiplication sentences. 
For example, 5 + 5 + 5 = 15  and  3 × 5 = 15 

You can also ask your child to teach you circles and stars- all you need is a die, paper and a pencil.