You may have noticed that even some of the multiplication and division Mathematizing Story Maps look alike.

You’re right.

Have you ever noticed that an array feels like the “right” diagram when you map out an Area problem? But somehow that same array model feels different when you use it to map out an Equal Groups problem situation like the one below.

You’re right.

An Equal Groups problem situation has two very different factors. You can’t simply switch the factors in the problem and have it mean the same thing. Sure, you get the same product. But young students know that 3 children, who each have 12 lollipops is different than 12 children who each have 3 lollipops. An array simply can’t capture the difference between those situations in the same way it shows area.