How to Teach Double-Digit Multiplication to 4th Graders
Many students have a difficult time learning how to multiply two-digit numbers together. This is because they have not mastered their single-digit multiplication skills yet. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders. We will start by discussing the three most popular methods for multiplying two-digit numbers: the lattice method, area models, and traditional algorithm. Then we will talk about what manipulatives can be helpful in teaching double-digit multiplication and finish up with a discussion of Boom Cards products that can help your students learn this important skill!
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How to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders #1: Make sure they know single-digit multiplication first
Sometimes when students enter the 4th grade they do not fully know their single-digit multiplication. If students are not really familiar with single-digit multiplication they will struggle with double-digit multiplication. So, the first step is to make sure your students have a good understanding of single-digit multiplication.
If you are looking for a fun way to review single-digit multiplication with your students I have a great Boom Card deck that can help with that!
This deck has 40 different questions per set that will have students mastering their multiplication tables. I have 4 sets that will cover multiplication tables from 1-12. To grab the bundle with all four sets click here. These are a perfect review for your students and will help you know if your students are ready to move on to double-digit multiplication.
How to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders #2: Use strategies
Strategies are super important for 4th graders to learn when they are starting double-digit multiplication. There are three main strategies that are typically taught in schools: the lattice method, area models, and traditional algorithm.
The Lattice Method
The lattice method is when you draw a grid on top of the problem. This helps students to keep their place value straight as they multiply. It also means that they will not have to worry about a placeholder. This is a great method for struggling students or students that always forget a placeholder.
Area Models
Area models are when you draw a rectangle and partition it into the parts that you need for your multiplication problem. For example, one digit by 2 digit multiplication will have two sections. Two-digit by two-digit multiplication will have four sections. Students will then multiply based on place value and add all the boxes together.
Traditional Algorithm
Lastly, for strategies, we have the traditional algorithm. This is the one that we all learned in school. You line up the digits on two lines and multiply digit by digit starting on the right side and working your way to the left.
If you want to see these strategies in more detail I have a blog post that lays out these specific strategies with picture examples. To read that you can click here.
Want to Read More???
How to Introduce Multiplication
How to Memorize Multiplication Tables Fast
How To Incorporate Multiplication Lesson Plans in Your Classroom
How to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders #3 Manipulatives.
Manipulative truthfully should just be a major part of your classroom if you are teaching math in elementary or beyond.
There are so many great manipulatives out there and they really help students to see the concepts that you are teaching them.
When it comes to double-digit multiplication there are a few key manipulatives that can help. Base ten blocks, number lines, and arrays are all great tools that can be used when teaching double digits. You can have these printed out if you don’t have physical sets. For arrays also students can use any sort of counters to place into arrays. Truthfully, my favorite is mini erasers and those are so much fun to change throughout the year to fit the season.
If you want to learn more about how to incorporate manipulatives into your classroom you should check out this blog post.
How to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders #4 Boom Cards
My last strategy for teaching double-digit multiplication is to use Boom Cards.
Boom Cards are digital task cards that live in the cloud and can be used on any device with an internet connection.
They are great for independent practice, centers, whole group reviews, and so much more.
I have a few different decks that can help when wondering how to teach double-digit multiplication to 4th graders. My decks that can be used throughout the entire school year are my build-a-cupcake, build-a-donut, or build-a-bakery sets. Each of these sets works with the traditional algorithm and will have students doing 12 problems total. After three problems they have the chance to take a brain break and build a cupcake, donut, or bakery depending on which set you have. I have found that these little brain breaks are amazing because it means that kids do not get as burned out from the problems and it feels like a little reward to be able to build something after they have done a couple of problems. If you want to grab these decks head to my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Boom Store, or just click here.
I also have double-digit multiplication decks that are themed for specific holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
These are also great for independent practice, centers, or whole group reviews.
I hope that these strategies have helped and that you feel a little more confident about how to teach double-digit multiplication to your fourth-grade students.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me on social media or via email and I would be happy to help in any way that I can. If you enjoyed this post please consider sharing it so that others can benefit as well.
Happy Teaching!