For example, by progressively adding another column of three objects, children can build the three-times tables for themselves. This representation not only assists in understanding the process, but provides a visual image for children to draw upon as they begin to use and memorise the basic number facts. The concepts of odd and even numbers are somewhat bewildering to many young children, so having a method to model numbers that clearly shows the difference between odds and evens is crucial. The making of two rows highlights the fact that even numbers are always divisible by two. Exploring factors Another approach to discovering factors of numbers is to begin with a particular whole number and make as many different rectangular arrays as possible.
Grid paper can be useful for recording the findings of such investigations.
Problems such as those below can provide consolidation of the discoveries made by young children.