Multiplication is all about counting groups of things. These groups MUST have an equal number of items, or else it isn't multiplication. There are two ways we can look interpreting a basic multiplication equation. Also, we looked at the multiplication sign and it was explained to the students that it really can be replaced by the words "groups of'. 3 groups of 5 = 15 We did a lot of drawing to show these groups and students are encouraged to do this if needed.