Skills Covered

How to Use This Pack

Five pages that move from place value models to the standard algorithm. Page 1 splits a 3- or 4-digit number by place value in an area model: 4 × 326 is 4 × 300, 4 × 20, and 4 × 6, then the parts are added. Page 2 multiplies 2-digit numbers in a four-part area model (47 × 23 is 40 and 7 times 20 and 3) and then writes the same four partial products in a column, with a reminder beside each row. Page 3 is the standard algorithm for 2 digits by 2 digits: multiply by the ones, then by the tens (with a 0 in the ones place), and add, with small boxes for the regrouped digits. Page 4 uses the standard algorithm for 3 and 4 digits by 2 digits. Page 5 rounds each factor to its greatest place to decide whether answers such as 46 × 23 = 230 make sense, then has four story problems that start with an estimate.

In the Classroom

Work the example on page 2 together and point out that the four boxes of the area model are the four rows of partial products below it. On page 3, show that the first row of the standard algorithm is the two partial products for the ones added together, and the second row is the two for the tens. Before page 5, ask students to estimate 46 × 23 out loud, then show why 230 cannot be right.

At Home

Look for things packed in equal rows or boxes, such as eggs in a crate or seats in a theater, and multiply to find the total. Ask your child to estimate first, then check the exact answer against the estimate.

Tips for Success

• Split each number into its places: 326 is 300 + 20 + 6
• Each part of an area model is one partial product; add them all
• In the second row of the standard algorithm you multiply by tens, so write a 0 in the ones place first
• Write a regrouped digit small, above the next digit, and add it after you multiply
• Round each factor to estimate; a product far from the estimate needs a second look