Are you ready to dive into the world of multiplication with a secret weapon? Have you ever heard of multiplication with area model? It's a fantastic teaching tool to introduce students to multi-digit multiplication in a way that helps them to be successful and gives them the basics before introducing the traditional algorithm.
Why Multiplication with Area Model?
Let's start with the why. Why do we teach this alternate method and not just jump into the algorithm?
1. Conceptual Understanding
The area model helps students develop a deeper understanding of multi-digit multiplication. They see the numbers that would actually be multiplied when you're doing the algorithm based on their place value. For example, in 76 x 3, you are really multiplying 6x3 and 70x3.
2. Concrete Representation
The visual aspect of multiplication with area model can make the concept more concrete for students versus the algorithm. This makes the concept more accessible to students and can make the concept easier to grasp for many students.
3. Flexibility
Multiplication with area model is very versatile and can be expanded on easily. I've had students be able to move from 2x2 digit to 3x2 digit on their own. They were able to figure out that they just needed to add another column. However, with the algorithm, there are additional steps to be able to multiply larger numbers that need to be taught because they are not as intuitive.
How do you do Multiplication with Area Model?
Now, let's look at how to do multiplication with area model.
1. Setting it Up
To create the area model, you're going to want a box for each digit in the problem. If you are multiplying 3 digits by 1 digit, you're going to want 1 row of 3 boxes. If you're multiplying 2 digits by 2 digits, you're going to want 2 rows of 2 boxes.
2. Filling it In
Write the problem on the outside of the model. When you write it, put the value of each digit vs. the digit itself. For problems that are 2x2 digits, it doesn't matter which number goes on top and which number goes on the side. Now, fill in the model as you would a multiplication chart, where you multiply the two numbers where they meet.
3. Adding it Up
Now, take all of the numbers inside the area model and add them up.
What are Some Fun Ways to Practice Multiplication with Area Model?
1. Taks Cards
Students enjoy these 2x2 digit multiplication with area model task cards because they feel like puzzles. Some of the numbers are already filled in, and students fill in the rest of the numbers. I also love task cards because they can be used in many different ways. They're great for small groups or centers. You can also hang them up around the room and students can walk around the room in pairs and answer them. This is a great way to get students up and moving around. Purchase the multiplication with area model task cards here.
2. Puzzles
These 2x2 digit multiplication with area model puzzles are a great hands-on way for students to practice. Each puzzle includes all of the parts of the multiplication area model and they have to put it together in a way that would be correct if they filled out the model. I have students work in groups and they put together the puzzles. When they finish one puzzle, they trade for a new one and keep going. This activity is great because students work together, it's hands-on, and it's engaging since it's a puzzle. Purchase the multiplication with area model puzzles here.
One thing that's helpful in teaching this concept is for students to have good multiplication fact fluency. Read my blog post on fun ways for students to practice their multiplication facts for some engaging activities to help students learn their facts.
Now, you have another tool in your math teacher toolbox. This fresh approach to multiplication is not only educational but fun for students as well. Set your students up for multiplication success by introducing multi-digit multiplication with the area model.
~Jill
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