Multiplying by 2, 5 and 10

Ages 6 to 8 Read together, then try alone · about 20 minutes

Read together

Multiplying is adding the same number again and again. Three groups of 5 is 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.

Count by 2s, 5s and 10s and you know the tables.

Do it

1. Lay out 4 groups of 2 buttons or coins. Count by twos: 2, 4, 6, 8.
2. Do the same with groups of 5 and 10.
3. Write each as a sum and as a times sentence: 4 x 2 = 8.
4. Notice patterns: tens end in 0, fives end in 0 or 5.

Talk about it

• How many is 6 groups of 5?
• What pattern do you see in the tens?

For the grown-up

Understanding multiplication as repeated groups comes before memorising tables. Use large counters, not tiny buttons, if a younger child is near.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

• National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers, Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (2010), Grade 3 operations and algebraic thinking 3.OA.A.1
• National Research Council, Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics (National Academies Press, 2001)

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.