> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://edzo.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Multiplication Array Block

> Learn how to use Multiplication Array blocks to create visual arrays for teaching multiplication and division.

The **Multiplication Array** block creates a visual grid of symbols arranged in rows and columns. Use it to help learners see how multiplication works as repeated groups.

## When to use Multiplication Array blocks

Multiplication Array blocks work well for:

* Introducing multiplication as "groups of"
* Showing the relationship between multiplication and division
* Demonstrating the commutative property (e.g., 3 x 5 = 5 x 3)
* Visualizing times tables and math facts
* Building number sense and skip counting skills

## Settings

### Array settings

**Rows** `slider` (default: 3)

The number of rows in the array (1 to 12).

**Columns** `slider` (default: 5)

The number of columns in the array (1 to 12).

**Symbol** `select` (default: Dot)

The shape used for each element in the array:

* **Dot**: Filled dots
* **Star**: Star shapes
* **Circle**: Open circles
* **Square**: Square shapes

**Symbol color** `color` (default: #4A90D9)

The color of the array symbols.

### Display settings

**Show row labels** `switch` (default: false)

When enabled, displays labels alongside each row.

**Show column labels** `switch` (default: false)

When enabled, displays labels above each column.

**Grouping** `select` (default: None)

How the array elements are visually grouped:

* **None**: No grouping
* **Rows**: Groups elements by row
* **Columns**: Groups elements by column

**Size** `select` (default: Medium)

The display size of the array:

* **Small**: Compact display
* **Medium**: Standard display
* **Large**: Larger display for projection or emphasis

### Highlight settings

You can highlight specific rows in a different color to draw attention to particular groups. This is useful for showing skip counting patterns or breaking a multiplication into parts.

## Tips for teachers and parents

**Best practices:**

* Use **Grouping** by rows to reinforce "groups of" thinking (e.g., 3 rows of 5)
* Turn the array sideways by swapping rows and columns to demonstrate the commutative property
* Highlight specific rows to show partial products or skip counting
* Start with small arrays (2x3, 3x4) and build up to larger ones
* Use row and column labels to connect the visual to written number sentences
* Pair with question blocks to have learners write the matching multiplication sentence

## Related blocks

* [Number Chart](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-chart.md): For number patterns and counting
* [Number Frame](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-frame.md): For ten-frame and twenty-frame displays


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