How is multiplication usually introduced to students in Mathnasium?

In Mathnasium, multiplication is commonly introduced as repeated addition because this approach helps students understand the concept of multiplication in a more digestible and relatable way. By viewing multiplication as adding a number to itself multiple times, students can grasp the foundational idea that lies behind multiplication. For example, seeing 3 multiplied by 4 rather than merely a process reflects that it is the same as adding 3 four times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12). This method allows students to build a strong conceptual framework before moving on to more complex multiplication techniques, reinforcing their understanding of numbers and operations. It sets the stage for more advanced mathematical concepts by making multiplication intuitive and relatable right from the start.