"Ooh, look what I found!" says Pip. Model that an array lines things up in equal rows and columns, and that it shows a multiplication fact. Draw 3 rows of 6 stars and count them as 3 × 6 = 18 — not by ones, but in groups.
Then model recovering a forgotten fact from one you know: double 4 × 6 = 24 to get 8 × 6 = 48. Finish by reading a division fact straight off the array: 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
Together 1. Build 4 rows of 8 stars. Write the fact and its turn-around fact.
Together 2. Use 5 × 6 = 30 to help find 6 × 6.
Together 3. Pip has 24 stars. What arrays can she make? Find the related division facts.
Students complete "Star Arrays: Multiplication Facts". The support version stays with 2s, 5s, 10s and small arrays; the extension version explores factor puzzles and "rectangle numbers." Encourage students to draw an array whenever a fact doesn't come quickly.