- Definition
An array is a way to arrange things in neat rows and columns, like a checkerboard, to help kids understand multiplication. For example, three rows of six items show that 3 multiplied by 6 equals 18.
An array of 3 rows of 4 stickers shows 3 groups of 4, or 3 \u00d7 4.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An array is like an egg carton, where the eggs are arranged in neat rows and columns.
Ask your child: How could you arrange these 12 blocks into neat rows?
Common mix-up: Kids may think an array is just any group of objects. The key is that objects must be arranged in equal rows and columns, like a grid.
Examples
- A muffin tin with 2 rows of 6 cups is an array.
- Arranging toy cars in 4 rows with 2 cars in each row.
array is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
