Classroom Activities: Arrays

These classroom activities are designed to complement the Arrays topic on BrainPOP Jr.

An Array of Arrays

Give bags of counters, beans, coins, or other small objects to small groups or partners. Have them arrange the objects into equal groups and discuss different ways to organize the same number of objects. Remind students that the groups should have equal numbers of objects. Have students draw their different arrangements and practice counting the groups. Help students write multiplication or addition number sentences to go with each arrangement to calculate the total.

Egg Carton Counting

Have students work in small groups and give each group a half-dozen egg carton. Have one student put beans or counters in each section of the carton. Remind the student to put in the same number of beans or counters in each section. Then have the other students in the group count to find the total number. Have students discuss different strategies to count, such as counting on, skip-counting, or making an addition or multiplication sentence. Have students write down and compare their answers. Allow each student in the group an opportunity to fill the egg carton.