[KerryCT3]

Well, it is that time of year again....multiplication time! My kids seem to be doing well so far, but I really want them to understand the concept before they just memorize the facts. Does anybody have any great lessons or hands-on activities that they could share? Today we worked with using a number line to multiply and I think half understood, half did not, so I might want to revisit that. I would love to hear some other ideas!

[Smokey Joe]

I use pattern blocks or other manipulatives and do groups (3 groups of 4)..... repeated addition 4+4+4 helps also.....

[ConnieWI]

Here are some ideas for understanding multiplicaiton:
--Give each child eight charts zero to one hundred (see attachment). Have children count by twos, threes, fours, etc. and color the squares for the twos, threes, fours, etc. so they can see the patterns. Also have them write the numbers on another piece of paper...with commas in-between, of course. (It is like writing a sentence with words separated by commas like this: In my suitcase, I packed a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and comb.)
--Have students count by twos, threes, fours, etc. orally so they know these from memory. Multiplication is really "counting by."
--Do you have access to Marilyn Burns book entitled Math by All Means: Multiplication? It is great and will give you many more ideas.
--Make arrays using x's or color tiles. Shade/Color the array on graph paper and write the number model/equation.
--Arrays can also be made using horizontal and vertical lines. I call this fences and ladders. Example: Draw two horizontal lines and three vertical lines. The number model/equation is 2 x 3. The points where the lines intersect are the product, in this case, six.
--Be sure to use literature like Each Orange Had 8 Slices: A Counting Book by Paul Giganti, Jr. You can use the problems in this book to write the number model/equation, or you or your students can write more problems like the ones in this book. Then you can run a copy for each child, your students can illustrate them, write the number model/equation, find the answers, and have fun practicing the new problems.
--Other literature selections could be The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins, Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar by Masaichiro and Mitusmasa Anno, 2 x 2 = Boo: A Set of Spooky Multiplication Stories by Loreen Leedy, and Bunches and Bunches of Rabbits by Louise Mathews.
--Make paper chains. Cut colored paper (in a variety of colors) into 1" x 4" lengths. For the fact 2 x 3, use two colors, three of each color. Glue the chains together, and hang them from the ceiling. Add a fact card at the end of each chain with the multiplication fact written on each side of the card. Before hanging, have students tell about their chain and share the multiplication fact with the class.
--Play "Beat the Calculator." Use two dice (six sided dice, nine sided dice, or ten sided dice) or a deck of cards with the numbers ace (one) to five, ace (one) to nine, ace (one) to ten, or whatever facts you are memorizing. Put students in groups of three. The first student will flip the cards or roll the dice, the second student will say the product from memory, and the third student will use the calculator to find the answer. The first student will also keep score. When one player has ten, the game is over and partners switch jobs. Kids love to play this game because they love to challenge the calculator!

[Kermit]

Arrays are great. Colored tiles work well for making arrays. We do a problem called "The arranging chairs" problem which determines how many ways you could set up chairs in an audience for a show.

For example, 20 chairs, 4 x 5 , 5 x 4 , 2 x 10, 10 x 2, 20 x 1, 1 x 20... you can do more interesting problems with 12 and 24. Anyway, I do this often with my kids. I have groups of kids pull numbers from a hat. You make arrays for all of the numbers 1-100 and post them on the wall. This also leads to area!

[eliza4one]

We are using my collection of plastic bugs and animals to do oral and written story problems. If you put bugs on the overhead, they look really cool and the boys love it.

I'm doing other things, but this has been the biggest hit so far, with the boys!

[ismile]

I keep a set of egg cartons handy. They can use beans or other small counters to count out groups. We do it a few times altogether and then it is a tool that is available for them to use on their own if they need it.

[snowpoppy2]

I think I may have found this idea actually on here. But I have my kids wear a multiplication name tag every day. The kids are only allowed to call each other by the answer to the problem on each other's name tags. I wear one too so they have to call me Miss "49" if it's 7 x 7. They get really into it, and I don't respond unless they call me by the answer either. We really have fun with it!

[KerryCT3]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I am going to have to get my hands on that Marilyn Burns book because I have heard several people recommend it.

[elephant]

I found ice cube trays 3 for $1.00 at the dollar store to use just like egg cartons. They are handy for division practice, too!