4th-grade multiplication can be a really difficult concept for some of our students to grasp. Over the last 8 years, I’ve perfected how I teach multiplication and the most impactful ways to incorporate multiplication practice.
Multiplication: How-To
Most fourth-graders are responsible for solving multiplication problems structured as 1 x 2 digits, 1 x 3 digits, 1 x 4 digits, and 2 x 2 digits; both in multiplication word problem form and straight computation.
Depending on your district you may be required to teach specific strategies. The 2 most effective strategies I use for teaching multiplication are the area model and the standard algorithm (long multiplication).
Start by teaching the area model method as it gives all students access to the problem, even if they don’t know all of their times tables yet. *Tip: Post a video on your class website or email a tutorial video to parents so students have access to a step-by-step reminder when they’re practicing at home.
Once they’ve mastered the area model, give interested students the opportunity to learn the standard algorithm (where I teach it’s not required until 5th so I only teach it to those interested). It’s helpful to let students choose which method they feel most comfortable using.
Make it Fun: 4th Grade Multiplication Games
4th-grade multiplication games can come in a lot of forms and these are some of my favorites:
Once students have learned the basics of multiplication it’s time to practice! While I believe there is a place for multiplication worksheets, the most impactful form of multiplication practice I’ve found is GAMES, GAMES, GAMES!
- Board Games: Below are my favorite board games to use in math. I love using them for multiplication practice, but they work perfectly for any math concept you’re teaching. Simply break students into groups, assigning them a game. Students set up and play the game exactly as they normally would with one exception: in order to take their turn they must correctly solve a multiplication problem. (These are also great to have on hand for indoor recess!)
- Sorry!
- Connect 4
- Jenga
- Trouble
- Operation
- Candy Land
- Deck of cards
- Dice
Click here to read more about how I use decks of cards and dice to play multiplication games: https://shannonmareeteaching.com/4th-grade-multiplication-games-that-kids-beg-to-play/
4th-Grade Multiplication Obstacle Courses: Holiday Themed
Have you ever struggled between wanting to have a fun holiday celebration without losing education time? *Raises hand* Been there. Which is why I created holiday-themed multiplication obstacle courses. Problem solved! Students are SO excited to complete the math problems and participate in these courses. It’s been a total game-changer in how we celebrate holidays. Plus, those are *ALWAYS* the days they have extra wiggles to get out and all that energy needs some positive redirecting. Channeling it straight into math is super easy this way. Our class uses these for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. You can check them out here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Games-5-Holiday-Themed-Obstacle-Courses-4927383
You can check out more of my favorite multiplication games and tips here:
Multiplication Games – Teacher Tips
I’ve shared these tips before, but they’re too valuable to not share again!
Teacher Tip: When playing games like this I always have both partners solve the problem. This is great for providing extra practice, accountability, and keeps all players focused even when it isn’t their turn.
Teacher Tip: If students cannot agree on a solution, having a designated “calculator” area allows them to check their answers without disrupting your small group. It also gives you the ability to see who needs to use the calculators frequently.
4th Grade Multiplication Problems: Review Frequently
This took me a few years to learn, but it’s so important to have students practicing their multiplication all year. The 2-3 weeks we spend learning multiplication in-depth isn’t enough for all of my fourth graders to retain each step long-term. Frequently revisiting multiplication problems solidifies the process and keeps it fresh in their mind. Once I started reviewing multiplication all year long I noticed a huge difference in my students. Their confidence levels soared and so did their test scores; in both multiplication and division!
It’s helpful to keep a set of problems on hand to pull out for small groups, extra practice for struggling students, or to post for the class as a warm-up. This is one of my favorite 4th-grade multistep word problem bundles to use. I love it because they include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Plus they match our state testing level of difficulty really well. Link to 4th Grade Word Problems
Ways to Incorporate Frequent Multiplication Practice
- Include 1-2 problems a week during morning work time
Exit ticket every other week throughout the year - Multiplication homework one a month: a mix of straight computation and multiplication word problems
- Class Challenge: Post a multiplication word problem on the board. When “x” number of students solve it correctly the class earns 5 minutes of extra recess. When given challenges like this almost every student wants to complete it immediately. The challenge time limit usually lasts one week, this helps add urgency. Students can complete the challenge when they finish work early, during recess/dismissal, at home, etc.
- Quick 5 minute games at the end of the day: These are perfect when you finish a little early and want to use those last 5 minutes of the day for something meaningful. Check out some of my favorite quick games here: https://shannonmareeteaching.com/4th-grade-multiplication-games-that-kids-beg-to-play/
- Holiday multiplication obstacle courses: See more information above or click the picture below to learn more!
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I hope these tips have been helpful for you and given you some fun new ideas for incorporating multiplication practice year-round. What are your favorite ways to practice multiplication with your students?
