Multiplication is one of my absolute favorite skills to teach! For starters, I love that we now teach students more than one way to multiply. This is so powerful and helps students connect with the true meaning behind the skill. In addition, once they see the pattern, they can go deep. I love walking around to my early finishers and adding a few digits to their problem to keep them engaged and challenged. Students begin doing this on their own to challenge themselves!
The goal for students is to eventually use the traditional algorithm, or regrouping method. It’s the shortcut and most efficient use of space. But if this is the only method we teach, we are robbing our students of knowledge. Do they really understand what they are doing? What happens if they cannot grasp this method? We must provide other strategies to ensure they don’t get left behind feeling defeated and frustrated.
Expanded Form
The strategy I begin with is using expanded form to multiply. I love this method because it allows students to work with friendly numbers and is fairly concrete. Since they’ve already learned how to write a number in expanded form, this method comes naturally to them.
However, I never assume all students will master this concept, so I use these Boom Cards as a formative assessment.
Area Model
I didn’t always teach the area model method with 1-digit multiplication. However, I found it so effective with 2-digit multiplication, I decided to give it a try. It’s a natural next step after using expanded form and helps students better organize their work. This fun Halloween-themed deck combines Estimation with Area Model Multiplication.
Partial Product Multiplication
The next 1-digit multiplication strategy I teach is the partial product method. This is a bit more abstract but still allows students to work with friendly numbers. Since they already learned expanded form and area model multiplication, they have a better understanding of how partial products work.
I love using these color-coded task cards for small-group instruction. Half of the cards are color-coded for guidance, and the other half are open-ended. They also progress in difficulty for quick differentiation.
By the way, does the sound of differentiating math centers intimidate you? Check out Episodes 10-12 of Elementary Math Chat for help! There was so much to cover that I had to break it down into 3 episodes!
Ending With The Traditional Algorithm
The last strategy I teach is the traditional algorithm. Most students choose this strategy in the end, and I’m okay with that! Because they first learned the previous strategies mentioned, they have a base knowledge of multiplication and can apply this to the algorithm.
Use Formative Assessments to Check for Understanding
Boom Cards are my go-to for gathering valuable data. Since they are digital, all students need is a link and they can access the resource on any digital device. Boom Cards are self-checking, which means students know after each problem if they’ve answered correctly. No other platform gives students immediate feedback while learning like Boom Cards do!
Want to use these in your classroom? Find them in my TpT store!
Another reason I love Boom Cards is that they aren’t just for small group centers. I use this set in my whole group instruction. Students LOVE coming up to my SMART Board and solving the problem! The interactive features draw them in and keep them engaged.
Want to know more about Boom Cards? Read my blog post to learn how I use them in the classroom or view them in my TpT store!
If you aren’t teaching these non-traditional methods, I hope you will consider doing so. Your students will thank you! Below are the links for all of the products listed in this post.
Expanded Form Multiplication Work Mat, Boom Cards, and Task Cards
Halloween Themed 1-Digit Area Model Boom Cards
Multiply by 1-Digit Number Task Cards
Until next time,
Happy Teaching!