Multiplication Strategies...

Hi 3rd Grade Families,

I wanted to share a few resources with you for Multiplication...

The first is a youtube video about lattice multiplication:
lattice multiplication video

Here's a brief history on Lattice Multiplication...
"The search for ways to record computation started in India, perhaps about eleventh century. This method of multiplication was known to the Arabians and probably was copied from the Hindus. Fifteenth century writers in western Europe included it in their printed books. The first printed arithmetic book appeared in Treviso, Italy in 1478. Luca Pacioli of Italy listed eight different ways to do multiplication in his book called "The Suma". He called this way lattice multiplication."
- Everyday Math, 1993-

So while you may not have been exposed to this as a child, this kind of multiplication is not new. Don't feel intimidated by it. I taught this to the class in about 10 minutes on Friday. I was impressed by how quickly they seemed to catch on. This type of multiplication replaces the  traditional "long multiplication algorithm" for multiplying two and three digit numbers. I still plan to teach them the traditional algorithm for multiplication, but I wanted them to have some options for multiplying bigger numbers. Students who are visual learners really seem to gravitate to this strategy for multiplication.


The other resource I wanted to share with you is one that my mom,who is also a third grade teacher, used with me when I was learning my multiplication facts. As a child I was always very strong in language arts, but tended to have a harder time with math. My mom purchased a book called  "Times Tables the Fun Way: Book for Kids: A Picture Method of Learning the Multiplication Facts". You can find it on Amazon. I was able to visualize the story and memorize my multiplication facts with this book. I have the book in our classroom, but if your child is still struggling with their facts, it might be helpful to invest in a copy for your own library at home.

  

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Mrs. Hahn