Multiplication

As I continue to reaquaint myself with elementary level math, I am reminded about the many varieties of multiplication. When I say varieties, in referring to the idea that sometimes it's easy, others it's hard, sometimes multiplication complicates things and in other cases it simplifies things. That does not even begin to touch on the ways to solve a multiplication problem. You can put the numbers side by side (2x2=4), you can stack them on top of each other, you can use the lattice, grid or box method or even the Japanese stick method. The hardest thing for me to remember is that the simplest method for me may be much more difficult for someone else. I guess when it comes right down to it, the best method is whatever works to get the correct answer. Sometimes repetition works better for some, such as multiplication facts. Here is a great hands-on website to work on these facts.

Multiplication was always pretty easy for me, but I see students struggle with traditional multiplication on a daily basis because they forget to bring down the zero to start the tens column or the miss numbers when adding the final answer. I though I'd take a little time to reflect on the lattice method for two reasons. The first one being that the lattice method is very new to me. I had only recently been taught this method and I see why math teachers are actively teaching it now days. The second being that it is almost fool proof. I say that with caution because I realize we HAVE to know our multiplication facts on order for it to work so smoothly, but it truly is so simple! You know, I guess it would be okay to have a multiplication chart available for students who struggle with their facts as the bigger goal is to come up with the correct answer, through whatever resources are needed. I attached a video by Khan Academy doing a demonstration of lattice multiplication.

This is one of those methods that can be simplified and easy for the younger child learning multiplication or for the 5th or 6th grader who is mastering the skill.




An example for those new to lattice multiplication

A reproducible worksheet to master the skill