The reason why repeated addition is so important

It is important because it helps children to visually see the representation of multiplication.  Maths can be an abstract subject to learn. The visual representation that repeated addition highlights allows it to be more concrete and understandable.

How are repeated addition and multiplication tables related?

As a parent, I know the importance of helping your child. We all want happy, smiley children!

How to use repeated addition worksheets

 It helps students to visualize the multiplication tables. Repeated addition is the multiplications but in a more visual way. By allowing students to manipulate objects using repeated addition they will understand how multiplication works. This will allow them to figure out the answers to multiplication questions when they are unsure of the maths concept.

3 x 3 = 9  is the same as  3 + 3 + 3  = 9

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3 x 6 = 18 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 +  3  + 3 = 18

Or turn it around.

6 + 6 + 6 = 18   is the same as 6 x 3 = 18

How to teach using the worksheets

You can teach repeated addition using arrays. Here is a video on how to use arrays.

Arrays are items organised in columns and rows. Arrays are a great way of teaching multiplication as they allow children to visualise and understand how the number patterns works.

You can also use these worksheets to help. This is a visual representation of the multiplication tables.

When to use addition sheets

Arrays should be used in conjunction with learning the multiplication tables. They are a way to allow children to understand the multiplication tables. Additionally, for those children who struggle to understand the multiplication tables this is an easy and quick way to allow them to physically see what is going on with objects or items. It is a good idea to introduce the concept in year 2/grade 1 as this is when they will begin to learn the times tables.

Chanting the times table is fine however, children do need to understand what they are chanting and what it means. They need to understand that 3 x 2 would be equal to three columns of two and three rows of two.

Additionally, children are taught to recite the times table. They do not understand the practicalities of how it works. Consequently, this leads to problems in the future. I encourage to use objects so that children can manipulate the multiplication tables and learn them fast.

What is the biggest number they should learn in repeated addition?

12 x 12 is the biggest array that children need to learn. This is because children are expected to know all the times tables up to 12 by year 4. However, once the children understand the concept of multiplication, there is no need to visually have to represent such large numbers.

To conclude,

It is important that children are allowed to understand the relationship between addition and the times tables. This will help them to figure out answers when they are uncertain of the fact. There are plenty of resources and practical activities to help children develop the concept of the multiplication tables.