Objective: Further abstraction of the concept of multiplication by using large numbers.
Method: For an example problem of 3145 x 3 =, the multiplicand is made with the stamp game 3 times. The numbers are then added together, counting up the units first, followed by the 10s, 100s, and 1000s. Any regrouping is completed before counting the next place value.
Materials: A quantity of small squares in green, blue, and red. If helpful, label the green ones with “1,” the blue with “10,” the red with “100,” and more green ones with “1000.”
Objective: Further abstraction of multiplication math facts.
Method: Multiplication facts are built with the bead bars (or strips of cardstock) to create a visual representation of the multiplication problem array. For example, the problem of 6 x 3 = would be made with three bars of six, in a rectangle. The product can then be found by counting each bead/box, counting by sixes, counting by threes, or remembered mentally.
Materials: Nine sets of bars for each number from 1-9. These can be made with beads on wire, or strips of cardstock with squares drawn on for each unit. The colors must be as follows:
Objective: Movement towards memorization of basic multiplication math facts.
Method: For an example problem of 4 x 5 =, the left index finger is placed on “4” in the left column. The right index finger is placed on the number “5” in the top row. The fingers are then slid together, following the rows and columns until they meet on the product, “20.”
