Multiply 2 digit numbers using 3 strategies. Once you’ve introduced the strategies, students can choose a method that works for their learning style.
The following photos come from a PowerPoint I made to help introduce the methods.
Traditional Algorithm
Most adults are familiar with the traditional method for multiplying multi-digit numbers. Actually, this method is more of a short cut. I typically teach it once kids are comfortable with using partial products.
Partial Products
The partial product method is a great way to introduce multiplying multi-digit numbers. One of the benefits is that students focus on multiplying all the numbers before moving on to adding. Some students that find the traditional method challenging have a hard time switching between the two operations. Usually, I find color coding to be very helpful.
Box Method
Finally, the box method can be helpful for students that are visual learners. It also helps students that get overwhelmed because they can focus on step at a time. Some kids feel stress about having to remember what order to go in. With the box method, there is no right order so they can let go of that stress.
Which do I use?
Some teachers require that students learn all the methods. Personally, I find the benefit of having different ways to get to the same answer is that students can choose the one they are most comfortable with. First, I start with partial product. Initially, if students express stress, I show them the box method and partial product side by side and have them choose which we should focus on. Finally, I wait to introduce the traditional method until a student brings it up (which they always seem to).
If you’d like to read more about these methods, check out this post.
Check out these posts for 5th grade!
Leave a Reply