Art of Multiplication: Patterns in Unit’s Place

Try this Fun Review of Multiplication Facts

So many students need to review multiplication facts! Creating these unique designs is a great way to investigate numerical patterns in the multiplication table.

Let your students each make a colorful design based on multiples of single digit numbers. Then share the results with the whole class. Either post the work on a wall or spread them out on desk tops or tables. Invite students to place them in numerical order and, after taking that in, find other ways to reorder and combine the work. Eventually, students will notice that with one exception, the patterns come in pairs.

Consider collecting comments and questions on sticky notes. You might want to add some of your own:

• Why is there no match for the pattern based on multiples of five?
• How can you tell in advance which patterns will match up with which?
• How many more patterns will we see if we use this method on larger and larger numbers?

If your students would like to continue these kinds of numerical explorations, check out:

• Choral Counting Slideshows
• Math Art: Multiplication(circular designs from unit’s place patterns )
• Geometric Patterns
• The column to the right of these number charts will help your kids multiply!