When it comes to introducing a new math concept like multiplication , a good hands-on activity can play a significant role in grasping the concept clearly.
There is absolutely nothing wrong is using worksheets but I personally believe if you want to build strong foundational math skills then hands-on activity should be the way to start.
This particular activity uses the concept of arrays and is very simple to understand.
Learning Meter
- Multiplication
- Counting
Supplies Needed
- Lego base plate
- Lego duplo bricks
- Index cards
- Black marker
Let’s Play & Learn
Let’s grab some lego duple bricks , a base plate and some index cards with multiplication equations written on them(start with smaller numbers – 2×2 , 4×3 etc.)
Let’s assume that the child picked an index card with equation ‘ 2 x 3 = ‘ , now to solve this we start by placing three duplo legos in two rows which means 2 x 3 and counting the total number of blocks which is 6 and then finally they will write this answer on the index card and move to the next one.
You can initially start with demonstrating this activity and then letting them do it independently.
My Busy Kid 