It is really important to build a solid conceptual base for multiplication and division before moving to fact memorization. It is also key that students begin working with problems in context from the very beginning.
This book is a really great resource for how to teach multiplication and division and a suggested order. The entire book is available online for free, which is amazing!!!
Here are some example anchor charts created between the teacher and students to activate prior knowledge and outline multiplication and division strategies.
Encouraging students to use multiple strategies from the beginning will help prevent them from over-relying on one strategy. Here is an example problem solving template that requires them to show their work in multiple ways.
Once students understand conceptually how to multiply and divide. They need to practice multiplication facts. I usually had them focus on multiplication facts and use fact families to help with division. Once multiplication was introduced, 4 in a Row, can be a permanent classroom center or game for early finishers. It is a really fun way to practice that encourages strategic thinking.
Here are directions for how to play:
1) Player one starts by putting paper clips under two numbers in the row below the board
2) The numbers are multiplied and the product on the answer board is covered with a counter of their chosen color.
3) Player two moves only one of the paper clips to a new number in the row beneath the board. The new combination is multiplied together and the answer is covered with a counter of their chosen color.
4) Play continues until one player has four of their counters in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
5) If the answer to multiplying two paper clips together is already covered the player loses that turn.
There are so many great resources for teaching multiplication and division, I am excited to share even more as the unit progresses :)
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