How to Explain Multiplication to a Child

Here are 4 great ways to explain multiplication to a child. This can be made simple and fun by using examples the child can relate to such as visuals and hands-on activities.

Relate multiplication to addition

If the child already knows addition, explain that 4 × 5 is like adding 5 four times:

5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20

Then, say that multiplication is a quicker way to do repeated addition.

Activity: Create a chart showing repeated addition and the multiplication version side by side.

Use arrays to explain multiplication

Say to the child that multiplication is like arranging objects in rows and columns.

Draw a rectangle made of dots with 2 rows and 3 columns.

Count the total number of dots to show that 2 rows of 3 dots equal 6 dots.

Then, tell the child that this represents 2 × 3 = 6

Activity: Create more arrays by using a graph paper or LEGO bricks.  

Make groups of objects to explain multiplication

If you have 3 groups of 4 pencils each, you can add 4 three times: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.

Use 12 pencils to draw 3 groups with 4 pencils in each group, and then show how you can count all the pencils together to get 12.

You could also say to the child that 3 groups of 4 means the same thing as 3 × 4.

Activity: Allow the child to make groups of objects and count them. For example, “Let’s make 4 groups of 3 blocks and see how many blocks we have in total.”

“Let’s make 5 groups of 6 marbles and see how many marbles we have in total.”

Use skip counting to explain multiplication

Skip count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8. Explain that this is the same as multiplying 2 by the number of times you skip (2 × 4 = 10).

Skip count by 3s: 3, 6, 9. Explain that this is the same as multiplying 3 by the number of times you skip (3 × 3 = 9).

Skip count by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30. Explain that this is the same as multiplying 5 by the number of times you skip (5 × 6 = 30).

Activity: Practice skip counting with the child using a number line or your fingers.