Year 2 · Mathematics · Number
Equal groups and sharing
Exploring multiplication as equal groups and arrays, and division as sharing equally or making groups of a given size, using real objects.
Awaiting educator review. This material was drafted by our content team with AI assistance and is waiting for review by a qualified educator. Please check it suits your child before using it. Created 10 October 2026.
Learning goals
Learners will
- Make and describe equal groups and arrays.
- Use skip counting to find the total of equal groups.
- Share a collection equally and find how many groups can be made.
Success looks like
- I can make equal groups and say '3 groups of 4'.
- I can skip count by 2s, 5s and 10s to find a total.
- I can share objects fairly so everyone gets the same.
- I can arrange objects in rows and columns to make an array.
The big idea
Multiplication starts with equal groups. Put 4 grapes on each of 3 plates. We can say '3 groups of 4'. To find the total, skip count by 4: 4, 8, 12.
If the groups are not the same size, it is not multiplication. Make one plate with 2 grapes and ask whether this is still '3 groups of 4'. Talking about why it is not helps the idea stick.
An array is equal groups arranged in neat rows. A muffin tin with 2 rows of 6 is an array showing 12. Turning the tin shows 6 rows of 2 — still 12.
Division has two meanings. Sharing: 12 pegs shared between 3 children — deal them out one at a time like cards until all are gone. Each child gets 4.
Grouping: 15 strawberries put into groups of 5 — how many groups? Keep making groups of 5 until none are left. There are 3 groups.
Sometimes a collection cannot be shared equally. 7 biscuits shared between 2 people gives 3 each with 1 left over. Real life has leftovers, and that is okay to notice and talk about.
Worked examples
Counting equal groups
There are 4 bags with 5 apples in each bag. How many apples altogether?
- There are 4 equal groups of 5.
- Skip count by 5 for each bag: 5, 10, 15, 20.
Answer: There are 20 apples.
Sharing fairly
Share 12 pegs equally between 3 children.
- Set out 3 plates, one for each child.
- Deal the pegs one at a time onto each plate in turn.
- When all 12 are dealt, count one plate: 4 pegs.
- Check that every plate has 4: 4, 8, 12.
Answer: Each child gets 4 pegs.
Making groups
18 socks are put into pairs. How many pairs are there?
- A pair is a group of 2.
- Skip count by 2 until you reach 18: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18.
- Count how many numbers you said: 9.
Answer: There are 9 pairs of socks.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
There are 3 plates with 4 strawberries on each plate. How many strawberries altogether?
12 — 3 groups of 4: skip count 4, 8, 12.
There are 5 packets with 2 biscuits in each packet. How many biscuits altogether?
10 — 5 groups of 2: skip count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
12 pegs are shared equally between 3 children. How many pegs does each child get?
4 — Deal the 12 pegs out one at a time to 3 children; each gets 4. Check: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
10 grapes are shared equally between 2 people. How many grapes does each person get?
5 — Half of 10 is 5, and 5 + 5 = 10.
A muffin tin has 2 rows with 6 cups in each row. How many cups are there?
12 — 2 rows of 6: 6, 12. There are 12 cups.
Each hand has 5 fingers. How many fingers are on 3 hands?
15 — Skip count by 5 three times: 5, 10, 15.
15 strawberries are put into groups of 5. How many groups are there?
3 — Skip count by 5 to 15: 5, 10, 15. That is 3 groups.
7 biscuits are shared equally between 2 people. How many biscuits are left over?
1 — Each person gets 3 biscuits (3 + 3 = 6), so 1 biscuit is left over.
Watch out for
- Counting groups instead of objects (answering 3 for '3 groups of 4'). Ask 'How many groups?' and 'How many in each group?' separately.
- Accepting unequal shares as fair. Always check that every group has the same number.
- Thinking 2 rows of 6 and 6 rows of 2 give different totals. Turn an egg carton around to show they are the same.
Tips for parents
- Use everyday sharing moments — splitting fruit, dealing cards, setting the table.
- Say the language aloud: 'four groups of three', 'shared between', 'each gets'.
- Skip counting songs and chants help children find totals quickly.
Go further
- Find arrays around the home or shops: egg cartons, window panes, drink bottle packs. Describe the rows and columns.
- Plan a teddy bears' picnic: share snacks equally among the toys and record what happens with leftovers.
- Arrange 12 buttons into as many different arrays as possible (1 by 12, 2 by 6, 3 by 4 and their turnarounds).