We’ve all heard it before; kids don’t know their multiplication facts! While this may or may not be true, what is more important than simply memorization multiplication facts is building a conceptual understanding of what multiplication means, how to visualize multiplication and how the standard algorithm for multiplication really works. Let’s start in primary where the beginnings of multiplication are introduced, explore some key cross-strand connections we can make along the journey and show how these deep conceptual understandings can help support student understanding of abstract concepts that arise in grade 9 and 10. As always, we will approach this learning with tasks that are contextual, visual and concrete.
Interested on building up to these mathematical concepts? Check out the recording of Matthew Oldridge’s webinar, From Counting to Multiplication: A Developmental Perspective on Teaching Mathematics in K-3.
Audience: Intermediate
Resources:
- Knowledgehook Game Show
- Tap Into Teen Minds
- Virtual Manipulatives
- Kyle P iTunesU
- @MathletePearce
- 3 Act Math Tasks
- Airplane Problem
- Feedback Form
- A full summary of the counting principles
- Tiny Polka Dot
- Paying Attention to Spatial Reasoning Document
- EduGains Mathies Virtual Manipulatives
- Mathies “Tiles” Web Based
- Japanese Multiplication – A Full Explanation
- The Progression of Multiplication – A Full Explanation