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Laying a Multiplication Foundation


Hi Manoj,

Over the years, I've taught virtually all math classes and grade levels, from Kindergarten (homeschooling my kids) up through College Algebra (high school seniors) and everything in between.

Currently, I'm teaching 5th grade math, 7th grade math, Algebra 1 and Geometry. And you know what I've been reminded of this year?

All math students need a solid multiplication foundation.

Does that mean they should know their multiplication facts? Sure. That helps with computation. But is that really the most important thing to master when it comes to multiplication? NO.

Why? Because we have calculators that can easily and quickly compute for us! Memorizing multiplication facts is actually not all that necessary for success in higher levels of mathematics.

But what IS helpful is understanding what multiplication represents and the relationship it has to division and to proportional relationships.

So when your geometry student studies area of polygons, they recognize area of a rectangle as multiplication and can build their knowledge from there.

And when your algebra student gets to exponents and exponent properties, they see how it relates to multiplication & can make sense of a complex equation.

And when your 7th grader is exploring multiplication with integers, those 'random rules' like "a negative times a negative equals a positive" don't seem so random.

If you're feeling like your kids could use some help building that multiplication foundation or practicing their skills, you can find all the multiplication resources I have available on my site or check out the specific articles below!

Teaching Multiplication Facts:

Looking for ideas for how to teach and build a conceptual understanding of multiplication? The articles below include lots of fun ideas with hands on models and visuals that will help kids make sense of multiplication.

Introduce multiplication (and division) with picture books! This is a fun, non-threatening way to work on a new skill.

>>The Best Books to Teach Multiplication & Division

A really helpful model for not only visualizing multiplication but especially for seeing the commutative property is to explore multiplication with arrays. The article below includes fun ideas for arrays.

>>10 Fun Ways to Learn Multiplication with Arrays

If your kids are crazy about LEGO building bricks, this might be a useful teaching tool! Learn how to explore a variety of different representations using LEGO at the link below.

>>How to Teach Multiplication with LEGO Bricks

Multiplication Games & Printables:

If you're just looking for easy, low prep ways to practice, I've got you covered! Find a variety of free resources below.

>>Play Spiral: A Simple Multiplication Card Game

>>Find the Facts: Equation Search Puzzles | All facts from 2-12

>>Low-Prep Printable Board Games | 3 Variations

>>Roll & Write: Exploring Multiplication & Division Fact Families

>>Missing Factor Printable BINGO Games

>>Multiplication Coloring Pages | Great for Recognizing Factors

>>Multiplication Facts Clip Cards

>>Multiplication 4-in-a-Row Printable Games

Have fun playing with math this week!

Blessings,


LOOKING FOR MORE MATH GOODNESS? CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES:

  • The Power of Number Talks: Want to know how you can use the power of number talks to build number sense, challenge students & get them thinking & sharing in just 10 minutes per day? Sign up for my FREE on-demand class, where I share how to get started + give you some free planning tools. -->SIGN UP FOR THE FREE CLASS HERE

  • Online Math Games for Grades 3-6: If you teach math in grades 3-6, you might be interested in Digital Math Games, a growing, online library of self-checking math activities. Use this as a math center, for intervention, review before a test or as extra practice students can use at home. -->LEARN MORE ABOUT DIGITAL MATH GAMES HERE

  • Save Time with All Access [Grades 5-8]: If you love the resources I create and share, you will love Math Geek Mama+, an ad-free, instant access library. Inside you'll find ALL Math Geek Mama resources, exclusives + new resources sent right to your inbox every month. -->LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE (Includes a FREE *Math Games* BONUS right now! $24 value)

  • Subscriber ONLY Freebies: As a math geek VIP, you get access to exclusive printables, just available for email subscribers! Just go to the freebie page HERE and use this password to get in--> TEACHERTHANKS


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