Build Multiplication Fluency with Visual Arrays

Looking for a fun and engaging way to help students master multiplication square facts? Today, we’re sharing one of our favorite math activities that uses visual images to build multiplication fluency in a meaningful way.

If you’re new to “How Many?” math talks, be sure to check out our post where we explain how to do a How Many? Math Talk with your class. These talks use visual images to spark open-ended thinking about math concepts. I love using How Many? because it not only makes learning more interactive, but it also helps students develop a deeper understanding of math.

For this activity, I’ve created images that show visual arrays (Download Free Slides HERE) —a powerful way to introduce multiplication square facts, like 3×3, 4×4, or 6×6.

Why Use Visual Arrays to Teach Multiplication?

Traditionally, students learned multiplication facts by memorizing them in order (1×1, 2×2, 3×3, etc.), but we now know that fluency grows best from understanding, not memorization. That’s why I always start with foundational facts like 2x, 5x, 10x, and square facts. The x2, x5, and x10 facts are easier for students because they often connect to skip counting skills.

Once students know those facts, square facts (like 3×3, 4×4, and 6×6) are the next logical step. They’re easy to remember—just like doubles facts in addition. Plus, when students master these, they’ve already learned a big chunk of their multiplication facts, making it easier to solve other facts using strategies they already know.

For example, when faced with 4×7, students might say, “I know 2×7 is 14, so 4×7 is double that—28!” Or they might break it down as (4×2) + (4×5) = 28. By using foundational facts, they can quickly solve more complex problems.

Introducing Multiplication Square Facts with How Many? Math Talks

In third grade, we start multiplication fluency with foundational facts, and once those are in place, we move on to square facts like 3×3 or 4×4. I love introducing square facts with visual arrays because the images form actual squares, which makes the concept stick for students.

To help you get started, I’ve created a free set of How Many? slides that feature visual arrays of square facts. Download the slides HERE.

These images help students link abstract multiplication equations (like 3×3) to a concrete, visual representation, making the connection between numbers and objects crystal clear.

How to Use Visual Arrays in Your Classroom

Here’s how you can integrate this activity into your lessons:

1. Download the Visual Arrays:
   Grab our free set of How Many? slides, featuring arrays that represent square facts like 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, and more. These images will help your students understand how multiplication square facts relate to repeated addition and set the foundation for solving more complex equations.
2. Keep It Open-Ended:
   When you start your How Many? Math Talk, show students the image and ask, “How many?” Don’t specify what to count or how. Let students explore the image and come up with their own ideas about what they see. Some students might ask, “How many of what?” but encourage them to figure it out on their own!
3. Encourage Exploration and Discussion:
   Let your students discuss their strategies and observations with one another. You’ll be amazed at how they approach the problem in different ways. This exploration builds confidence and encourages all students to participate.
4. Ask Questions to Extend Thinking:
   When students share answers like, “I see 9 lime slices,” ask them, “How did you count them?” This opens the door for them to explain their thinking. One student might say, “I skip counted by 3s—3, 6, 9,” while another might say, “I saw 3 groups of 3 and used 3×3.”This is where the magic happens! Students begin connecting the visual arrays to abstract multiplication equations. Asking questions helps deepen their understanding and lets them learn from each other.

Conclusion

By incorporating visual arrays into your math talks, you’re helping students connect concrete objects (like an array of coins or blocks) to abstract multiplication concepts (like 6×6). It’s a simple, 5-minute activity that gets students thinking, talking, and making sense of math.

We’d love to hear how this activity works in your classroom! Share the creative math thinking your students come up with using How Many? visual arrays.

Be sure to download your own set of Square Fact Visual Array Slides to use in your classroom.

Happy teaching and exploring!