L2 Spring Multiplication using Pictorial Representations

In this engaging Year 1 Working Without Worksheets lesson, children continue to develop their understanding of multiplication by moving from concrete objects to pictorial representations. Building on their learning about equal groups and repeated addition, this lesson helps pupils visualise multiplication in a fun, practical way. The lesson begins with a quick recap of equal and unequal groups, using visual examples to highlight that multiplication only works when groups are equal. Children then explore Numicon patterns and identify matching multiplication phrases, discussing which examples are incorrect and why. During the main activity, children create their own pictorial representations of multiplication. Using number cards, they decide how many groups and how many items will go into each group. They then draw these groups using simple pictures such as stars or counters and write a matching repeated addition sentence (e.g. 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20). The lesson concludes with a practical reasoning problem about Leanna’s apples, encouraging children to apply their understanding of pictorial representations to solve real-world problems. This visual, hands-on lesson is ideal for helping children bridge the gap between concrete and abstract understanding of multiplication. Why Teachers Will Love This Resource ✅ Supports mastery teaching through hands-on and visual learning ✅ Encourages independent reasoning and mathematical talk ✅ Reinforces the concept of equal groups through both drawing and discussion ✅ Differentiation-friendly – perfect for both whole-class and small-group work ✅ Complements the National Curriculum for Year 1 with full coverage of key multiplication objectives Curriculum Links (National Curriculum – Year 1) Solve one-step problems involving multiplication using concrete and pictorial representations. Understand multiplication as repeated addition using equal groups. Count in multiples of 2, 5 and 10 to support multiplication understanding.