Reviewing Math Topic 3: Multiplication

I've had a lot of fun teaching the concept of multiplication. As I've said to many, this program may lean a little heavy on practice but students definitely achieve an in-depth understanding of the concept. Each lesson builds on the previous resulting in students who know, not just what to do, but why they're doing it.

This post provides an explanation of the Topic's concepts, as well as study resources and strategies.

Concepts of Multi-digit Multiplication

The major priority of this topic was for students to understand the US Standard Algorithm (you know, that old-timey way we were all taught to multiply). It's not that the standard algorithm is a bad way to multiply, it's just that if students only learn the steps in the process they can get the correct solution without understanding why. What's the problem with that, if they get the right answer? First, any jobs where getting the answer right was the only concern are now being done by software. We prepare students to think deeply about mathematical concepts because that's what they'll need to develop new algorithms that could become the basis for the next facial recognition technology. Secondly, our state and national assessments expect students to explain their work. Why do so many students struggle with open responses? They can't give a quality explanation if they only know the steps. 

Many students are most comfortable with partial-products. If they continue to solve multiplication in that manner, it's more than fine. But, 5th grade students are expected to understand the standard algorithm. To help students understand, I ask that students solve every multiplication problem using 2 methods. The area model and the standard algorithm. The area model is a visual representation of the multiplication and when completed alongside the algorithm, students can clearly see any errors. I demonstrate this for every multiplication I complete in front of them. It's a good thing too, I've caught my own errors in front of them on several occasions. 

Students can review the three methods of multiplication using the instructional videos from Learnzillion, which can be found on the right side of the Topic 3 page. 

Lesson Reviews

In addition to the instructional videos on the Topic 3 page, you'll find a link to the reteaching handouts. For each lesson completed in class, there's a worksheet with a explanation of the day's concept and a few practice problems to try. Going forward, if you notice your student struggling on the night's homework, have them print out the reteaching page and review it. These also make great concept reviews before the test. 

Practice and Games

The CEF has funded a subscription for every student to Greg Tang's World of Math. The games there are exceptionally fun and challenging. If you're somebody who likes Sodoku you'll have a ball with your student. Student login information can be found directly under the link on the math resources page of Lewis5. 

I'm still noticing that not all students are secure with their basic multiplication facts. At this point, the only way they ever will be is through continued practice. Since class time is devoted to more advanced topics, students will not be given the opportunity to practice in school. They will be given calculators. I ask each student to use them only for the basic facts, freeing them up to understand concepts. Students not secure with basic facts can practice using my favorite fact games found here.  

Please remember to check the class facebook page to be notified of updates to class resources.