Graph paper
Dice (two or more)
Colored pencils or markers
Preparation:
Provide each student with a sheet of graph paper and colored pencils or markers.
Have dice available for students to use.
Setting Up the Activity:
Explain the concept of arrays and how they represent multiplication problems.
Demonstrate how to roll the dice and form a multiplication sentence from the numbers rolled.
Rolling the Dice:
Beginners: Roll two dice and use the numbers rolled to create an array. For example, rolling a 5 and a 6 would form a multiplication sentence of 5 x 6.
Advanced: Roll two dice for the first number in the multiplication sentence and then roll two dice for the second number. This allows for working with larger numbers.
Creating the Array:
Students draw an array on the graph paper using the numbers rolled. For instance, if the roll is 5 and 6, they draw 5 rows with 6 squares in each row.
Use colored pencils or markers to fill in the array, making it visually appealing and easy to count.
Writing the Multiplication Sentence:
After drawing the array, students write the corresponding multiplication sentence next to it (e.g., 5 x 6 = 30).
Encourage students to count the total number of squares in the array to verify their multiplication.
Repetition and Practice:
Repeat the process with different rolls of the dice to practice various multiplication problems.
Allow students to share and discuss their arrays with classmates to reinforce understanding.