Want to teach the multiplication 2 times table in a way students actually remember? Help them discover patterns—don’t just tell them the rules.

 

Think of a time you discovered or learned something for yourself. You probably learned it a lot better than just if someone had just told you the thing. The same thing applies when students learn multiplication facts of 2.

 

 

And when students learn them in a meaningful way, they will then be able to use these facts to find other facts. Soon they will know a plethora of facts and will be well on their way to mastering all multiplication facts.

 

So let’s get into the strategies for teaching elementary students multiplication 2 times table.

 

Multiplication 2 Times Tables

 

Well, what are multiplication 2 times tables? They are multiplication facts of 2, or doubles multiplication facts.

 

4+4=8, there are 2 groups of 4 in that equation. That means we can write it as a multiplication fact of 2: 2X4=8 or 4X2=8.

 

In 2nd grade, students work hard to memorize addition doubles facts. Learn more about that in this blog post here.

 

As teachers, we can talk about what students have learned in 2nd grade that apply to the multiplication facts they learn in 3rd grade.

 

Now we could just tell students that multiplication facts of 2 are just the same number added to itself, but it is far more beneficial to students when they discover that on their own. So how do we do that?

 

Doubles Multiplication Facts

I like to display up a slide that has all of the addition doubles facts. We solve those together as a class. The next slide shows how those are just 2 equal groups being added together. Since they are equal groups, we can represent them with a multiplication equation. We solve the matching multiplication facts of 2 equations and students can see that they are the same answer.

 

 

This concept is much more effective when students already know the meaning of multiplication. I teach a full lesson on this before teaching these doubles multiplication facts. Learn all about that lesson in this blog post here.

 

From there, I want students to get more practice with these kinds of facts. So we solve a few more problems together that will match the independent practice they get later on.

 

One problem we do together has us solve a word problem, “Kim bakes 2 batches of cookies. Each batch has 8 cookies. How many cookies does she bake?”

 

We represent this problem by drawing a set model. To do this we draw 2 circles and draw 8 dots in each circle. We write the matching repeated addition equation and the matching multiplication equation.

 

Then I want to show these multiplication 2 times table facts in a very visual way. I use area models to do this. Our slides then show 2 different area models that show 2 rows being used. We count up how many in each row and write the matching multiplication fact.

 

I also like to show these double multiplication facts with number line models. Again, using these slides I show a model where there are 2 jumps of 7. Together we write the matching multiplication equation. Then we practice drawing number line models to solve multiplication facts of 2.

 

Remember, we do all this to bring meaning to the facts. But we also do this so students can be successful with their own practice with these facts. For practice, I have students do multiplication 2 times table worksheets and activities.

 

Multiplication 2 Times Table Worksheets

These worksheets model the problems we did as a class. They use set models to solve word problems. They use area models and number line problems to represent the equations. From all these models, students can see the pattern that multiplication facts of 2 are just doubles multiplication facts.

 

 

But I want to get students practicing in more engaging ways as well. One way I like to do this is scoot activities. This is where I print off different task cards and tape them up around our classroom. Students go around solving the facts and writing their answers down on a recording sheet.

 

I actually have 3 sets of task cards I have students do. The first one shows the set model for the multiplication fact of 2. Students write the corresponding multiplication equation to go with the set model.

 

The second set just has the facts of 2. Students go around, use the patterns they have learned, and write down the answer to the fact.

 

The third set is actually ideal to laminate. That way students can use dry-erase markers on them.

 

 

They draw out the set model to represent the multiplication doubles fact. These are super interactive and are great for centers.

Another practice activity I have students do is a math puzzle activity. This is where students match up the model to the fact and the answer. The top part of the puzzle shows a set model. Students have to find the words that match it, like “2 groups of 4.” Then they find the equation that matches it: 2X4=8.

 

 

Students love the hands-on aspect of the puzzle. I also let them choose anywhere in the classroom to work on it. So they enjoy finding a space on the floor to solve it.

 

After that, I want to check students’ knowledge on these facts. To do this, I have them do a quick exit ticket. These have a few multiplication facts of 2 to solve. I check these later to see who can use more practice with these facts.

 

These facts are so important because students can use them to use strategies to solve other facts. These strategies include doubles and one more set, which helps them find multiplication facts of 3.

 

When students discover the patterns behind the multiplication 2 times table, they’re not just memorizing—they’re building real understanding.

Ready to teach multiplication facts of 2 in a way that sticks? Grab my ready-to-use worksheets, scoot games, and puzzles in this money-saving bundle—everything you need for engaging and effective multiplication instruction! Find these resources here.