An array is an organized arrangement of objects in equal rows and equal columns, allowing a quantity to be seen as equal groups and counted efficiently. Learners connect the number of rows, the number in each row, and the total through skip-counting or repeated addition, and recognize that turning an array changes its orientation but not its total. The focus is on small whole-number arrays; formal multiplication algorithms and larger fact generalizations are beyond this scope.
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- Learn “Build simple arrays” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Build simple arrays” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Build simple arrays you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Build simple arrays” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Multiplication From Counting - Intro” or “Multiplication of Integers - Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Build simple arrays” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Build simple arrays
An array is a neat arrangement of objects in equal rows and equal columns.
Example: Make an array with 12 dots.
- Put the dots in 3 equal rows.
- Put 4 dots in each row.
Now count by rows:
So, the array has 3 rows, 4 dots in each row, and 12 dots altogether.
You can turn the array. It will have 4 rows with 3 dots in each row:
Count again:
Turning an array changes the rows and columns, but the total stays the same.
Learn by doing: Build simple arrays
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Practice:
Multiplication - From Grid Model to Answer
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Build simple arrays' Worksheet
Print this free 'Build simple arrays' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Multiplication - From Grid Model to Answer
- Multiplication - From Grid Model to Equation
- Multiplication - From Picture to Equation
- Counting in Groups - Picture and Count (Dice)
- Counting in Groups - Pictures (Ladybug Spots)
- Counting in Groups - Pictures (Flower Petals)
- Counting in Groups - Pictures (Specific Image)
- Counting in Groups - Pictures (Dice)
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Build simple arrays) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.