Using Arrays — Interactive Lesson (Year 2)

Does 3 × 4 give the same answer as 4 × 3? This 16-slide interactive lesson teaches using arrays to solve multiplication problems and see the commutative law in action.

Mastering Using Arrays in Year 2 Maths

Pupils use arrays to solve multiplication problems while using the multiplication symbol and the language of ‘lots of’, to interpret and calculate multiplication statements, and to understand the commutative law, such as 5 × 2 = 2 × 5. They place apples in boxes to build arrays such as 3 × 3, write multiplication sentences for the rows and columns of an array of counters or roosters, and use partly hidden arrays to reason about what the missing numbers could be.

What’s Included

• 16-slide interactive lesson on using arrays
• Learning objectives on multiplication statements and the commutative law
• Hands-on array-building activities
• Matching multiplication sentences to rows and columns
• A reasoning question with a partly hidden array

Key Benefits for Students

• Makes the commutative law visual and concrete
• Builds fluency writing multiplication sentences from a picture
• The reasoning task stretches confident pupils
• Instant feedback on answer questions

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — ready for whole-class teaching on an interactive whiteboard
• A concise lesson that fits a single session
• Self-marking questions support independent practice
• Suits teaching, revision and homework
• A dependable foundation before formal times-tables

Love this? You’ll love…

• Adding Equal Groups — Interactive Lesson (KS1)
• Dividing By 2 — Interactive Lesson (Year 2)
• Counting In Steps Of 2s, 3s, 5s And 10s — Interactive Lesson & Activities (Year 2)

A dependable addition to a Year 2 number topic, giving pupils a visual, hands-on way to understand multiplication and the commutative law. Confidence with arrays makes times-tables far more meaningful than rote counting.

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FAQs

What year group is this for?
Year 2 (ages 6–7), KS1.

Does it teach the commutative law?
Yes — that 5 × 2 gives the same answer as 2 × 5.

Is it self-marking?
Yes, with instant feedback on the questions.