Hidden Multiplication
Reward Charts times-table story
A playful story page showing how reward charts can teach multiplication in real life.
Quick answer
Reward charts help children learn multiplication by showing equal groups in a fun, visual way. Each reward represents a group, and counting all the rewards helps children understand how many items there are in total.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how reward charts can help you learn multiplication by seeing equal groups and counting them together. Success signs:- You can use a reward chart to show equal groups of items
- You can count how many items are in each group and how many groups there are
- You can write a multiplication number sentence from a reward chart
- You can explain how reward charts help you learn multiplication
Why this matters
Reward charts are a fun way to learn multiplication because they show equal groups in a visual and exciting way. When you use a reward chart to track your progress, you are actually doing multiplication without even realising it. This helps you understand how multiplication works in real life, not just on paper. Whether you're learning to read a chart, counting stars, or tracking how many books you've read, reward charts help you see how multiplication works in your everyday life.How it works
Multiplication is about equal groups. When you use a reward chart, each reward (like a sticker, star, or heart) shows one group. If you have 4 groups of 3 stickers, that means 4 groups with 3 stickers in each group. To find the total, you count all the stickers together. Here’s how to use a reward chart to learn multiplication:- Decide what you want to track (like reading books, doing chores, or collecting coins)
- Choose a reward for each item (like a sticker or star)
- Make sure each group has the same number of rewards
- Count how many groups there are and how many rewards are in each group
- Write a multiplication sentence like 3 × 4 = 12
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you are collecting stickers for your reward chart. You get 3 stickers for each book you read.| Books Read | Stickers per Book | Total Stickers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | 3 | 9 |
| 4 | 3 | 12 |
- Chores: 5 chores, 2 stars each = 5 × 2 = 10 stars
- Coins: 6 days, 5 coins each = 6 × 5 = 30 coins
- Snacks: 3 friends, 4 cookies each = 3 × 4 = 12 cookies
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Sticker Collector You are a sticker collector and you want to earn 15 stickers. Every day you do a task and get 3 stickers.- Day 1: 3 stickers
- Day 2: 3 more stickers
- Day 3: 3 more stickers
- Day 4: 3 more stickers
- Day 5: 3 more stickers
- Day 1: 3 stickers
- Day 2: 6 stickers
- Day 3: 9 stickers
- Day 4: 12 stickers
- Day 5: 15 stickers
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that 3 × 4 = 12 but forgetting to count all the stickers. Why it happens: Children might count only the groups instead of the total items. Fix: Count each sticker carefully or use a finger to count each item in the group.
- Mistake: Drawing 3 groups with 4 stickers but not making sure each group has the same number. Why it happens: Children might make unequal groups when drawing. Fix: Make sure each group has exactly the same number of stickers or items.
- Mistake: Writing 4 × 3 = 12 instead of 3 × 4 = 12. Why it happens: Children might mix up which number is the group and which is the items per group. Fix: Remember that the first number is the number of groups, and the second number is the number in each group.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Creating a simple reward chart together using stickers or drawings
- Encouraging your child to count the total number of items in each group
- Asking questions like, “How many groups do you have?” and “How many items are in each group?”
- Writing multiplication sentences with your child using the chart
- Using real-life examples like sharing snacks or collecting coins to make it relatable
- Not worrying if your child makes mistakes — they’re part of learning
- Using the chart to talk about how multiplication helps in everyday life
- Letting your child choose their own rewards to make it fun
Practice questions
- If you have 4 groups of 5 stickers, how many stickers do you have in total?
- You collect 3 stars for each day you brush your teeth. How many stars do you have after 6 days?
- Each friend gets 2 cookies. If you have 5 friends, how many cookies do you need?
- You have 6 groups of 4 stickers. What is the multiplication sentence?
- If you get 7 stickers for each book you read and read 3 books, how many stickers do you have?
- 4 × 5 = 20 stickers
- 6 × 3 = 18 stars
- 5 × 2 = 10 cookies
- 6 × 4 = 24 stickers
- 3 × 7 = 21 stickers
FAQ
What is a reward chart?
A reward chart is a visual way to track your progress using stickers, stars, or other small items. It helps you see how many things you have done or collected.
How does a reward chart help with multiplication?
A reward chart helps with multiplication by showing equal groups. Each group has the same number of items, and counting all the items helps you learn multiplication.
Can I use reward charts for any times table?
Yes! You can use reward charts for any times table. For example, if you are learning the 6 times table, you can make 4 groups of 6 stickers to show 4 × 6 = 24.
How can I make my own reward chart?
You can draw a chart on paper, use stickers, or even draw pictures. Just make sure each group has the same number of items.
What if I make a mistake on my chart?
Mistakes are part of learning! You can correct them and try again. The important thing is to keep trying and learning.