Are you preparing to teach mutli-step multiplication? Do your students struggle to
line up numbers appropriately when multiplying numbers that are 2 digits or larger? Keep reading to discover how to help students organize multi-step multiplication problems.
#1 – Many Changes in Grades 3 – 5
Do the many acadmic changes from elementary to middle school keep you up at night? You may you be transitioning between use of math work books to textbooks or other resources that will require students to write on notebook paper. Oh the challenge with multi-step multiplication problems.
“Where do I write my name?”
“Can I just write the answer?”
#2 – Math Problem Organizational Challenges
Furthermore, students are beginning math problems which require organizational skills. There are students who continue to struggle with basic handwriting skills. Multi-digit math problems for addition, subtraction, mutlipication, and division can be a significant challenge. To increase challenges with multipliation and division, there are still those students who do not know multiplication facts!
#3 – Strategies for Paper Organization
Now let’s consider strategies that can be used to make this transition easier for you and your students. Below are ideas.
A. Templates
Moreover, use pre-made templates for specific types of math problems.
B. Notebook Paper Folding Technics
Furthermore, show students how to fold notebook paper into sections. For example, fold in half, then fold in half again. Unfold the paper and notice there are 4 creases, creating 4 “boxes”. Inform students that they are to write only one problem in each “box”. Students may also trace the lines made by the creases using a ruler and pencil. To increase the the number of “boxes,” the paper may be folded in half more times. To create two or more columns for long division, fold the paper long ways two or more times.
#4 – Specific Strategies for Multi-Step Problems
Likewise, consider specific strategies for multi-step multiplication strategies.
A. Color-Code Multi-Step Multiplication Problems
Equally helpful, consider color-coded instruction. Introduce an additional digit with numbers that do not require carrying. This allows students to focus only on the organization of the numbers.
Then, while instructing students the pathways of multiplying 124 x 2, illustrate the movement with your right arm while saying, “2 times 4” is “8”. The right arm moves up, and then comes down to write the “8”. Repeat the same process with 2 x 2, and 2 x 1. After illustrating the process, students pratice in the movement.
Variation: If using the color green for the one’s place, as illustrated above, students may hold a green pen, marker, pencil or crayon to illustrate the step. When the color changes, students pick up the next color, going through the motion. I use gray for “spacing-zeros”
B. Time-Saver for Multi-Step Multiplication Problems
Furthermore, it is easy to see how students can struggle with number organization such as lining up digits as the problem gets larger.
I have a wonderful time-saver for you!
Multiplication Graphic Organizer Templates
In addition, the graphic organizer templates are a wonderful resource that keeps digits aligned, making student transition from workbook to textbook or other sources, much easier. These templates also work for addition and subtraction.
Furthermore, the templates come in two different sizes, color-coded and black and white, includes 2 box sizes and 14 formats. It gets even better. There are 110 multiplication problems with templates included, beginning with 1 to 3 digit multiplication that autograded. See below.
TEACHING MULTI-DIGIT MULTIPLICATION WITH MATH BOXES
Furthermore, to assist student confidence in multiplication facts, provide continued review. This includes flash-card races, fact worksheets, puzzle-matching, mazes, or other materials. Provide math fact posters or charts that students refer to as needed. Students who are confident in multiplication facts, are able to focus best on the process and visual organization for these types of problems.
Multiplication can be fun! See the following resources.
28 Multiplication Mazes for Facts 0 – 12 in Sequential Order
Mutliplication Facts Matching Fun!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Facts-Matching-Fun-9666996
Conclusion
In conclusion, through the use of paper strategies and templates, multi-step mutliplication problems can be effectively taught by teachers, and organized by students with greater ease.
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