This explains why the two operations are taught together. It provides an easy way to practice and reinforce fact families. As you develop the operation of multiplication, it is important for children to connect concepts they learned last year to concepts they are learning this year. Last year, they solved problems involving skip-counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's. This year they will advance to multiplication, solving problems by using skip-counting, arrays, and repeated addition.
Multiplication usually starts with skip-counting.
Using repeated addition to show multiplication offers a sure way of connecting the two operations. This implies the idea of a number of equal groups. As you introduce the word times , be sure to review this explanation. For many children, a visual picture frequently offers the opportunity for instant recognition. This will help those children memorize the basic facts.