Watch Out Multiplication, Here We Come!

Dear Families!

For the next few weeks, we will be learning about multiplication.  To start, we will multiplying by 1-digit whole numbers by a whole number up to 4-digits.  (Ex:  4 x 423, 53 x 8, 1,832 x 5, etc.).  We will investigate different strategies to help us on this multiplying adventure!  The main strategies we will focus on are using the Place Value Chart, adding partial products,
and solving using the standard algorithm.  I really try to push the kids to understand and use the standard algorithm because it's WAY more efficient.  

Here is our class poster that explains these strategies.  

While I know some of these strategies are "not the way we learned them when we were in school," they help the kids to understand the meaning of multiplication.  If you have a different strategy that can help your child solve multi-digit multiplication problems, please teach them!  When it comes down to it, I just want the kids to be able to multiply and find the product! 

This is the part where I need to say that many of the students are still working on learning their multiplication facts.  This would be a great thing for you to help them on at home.  Flash cards are one strategy, but there are many more!  

Moving on, once we have mastered that part of the standard, we will move on to multiplying 2-digit by 2-digit numbers.  (ex: 57 x 34, 29 x 82, etc.).  To solve these types of problems we'll mainly use the area model, but if your child is ready, I will introduce the standard algorithm as well.  

Please be expecting to see homework showcasing the different strategies, but I really am pushing the kids to choose the strategy that works best for them that gets them the correct answer.  

Happy Multiplying!