• In pairs, one student (the creator) rolls two dice (6 or 10-sided of different colours). The roll of one dice (e.g., black) determines the number of rows, and the roll of the other die (e.g., green) the number in each row.

• The creator uses tiles to make the top row and left-hand column of the partial rectangular array.

How many tiles do I need?

How many tiles do I need?

• The partner (thinker) verbalises the number of rows and number of tiles in each row as a fact, (e.g., 3 × 6).

• The thinker works out the total amount of tiles needed to make the complete array and explains how he/she worked it out and records it in someway.

• The generator uses tiles to check, if needed.

• They then swap roles and repeat the activity.

How many tiles do I need?

I know 3 × 3 is 9 and I doubled it to work out 3 × 6. Another way is to think of 3 × 5 is 15 and add another 3.

How many tiles do I need?