Area Models of Multiplication

Area Model Video

     What is an area model for multiplication?  I learned this week that the area model for multiplication is a pictorial way of representing multiplication. In the area model, the length and width of a rectangle represent factors, and the area of the rectangle represents their product.  According to Math and Teaching.org "The area model for multiplication establishes the groundwork for helping visual learners in the conceptual understanding of the traditional algebraic skills of polynomial multiplication and factoring."  

Here is an example of the area model for multiplication: 




     I think the area model is a great way to show students that multiplication is nothing more than adding up partial products.  Base 10 blocks are useful manipulatives for teaching kids about multiplication.  The blocks allow students to get their hands on the numbers to see how the numbers add up to the final product.  I can see how cooperative learning groups would be a good way to let kids practice the area model.  Start with groups of 3-4 students and have them use the base 10 blocks together to solve the equations.   
    

Math and Teaching - Area Model




     Websites like Kidspitation have manipulatives that would be fun for students to use while learning the area model for multiplication.  Many classrooms have SmartBoards that students could use to practice on during instruction.  Students would solve a 2 digit multiplication problem by drawing an area model and writing the parital products as they go.  The process of adding the partial products would help students see the step by step process.  I think the area model is a method that will make sense to kids and allow them to see their answers.     

Roman Numerals

XIV June, MMXII

Roman numerals are all around us and I think it is important to teach students Roman Numerals.  For example, many clocks have Roman numerals on the face, book chapters and copyright dates are often marked with Roman numerals.  What if you were in a book club and everyone decided to read to chapter XII and you only read to chapter 7 because you thought X meant 5 instead of 10.  The Olympics and Super Bowl are noted with Roman numerals as well as political leaders such as monarchs and popes.  Imagine taking a history test and you have no idea if King Henry VIII was before or after Henry IV.  Many buildings may also have the year it was built in Roman numerals.  Look around and see what Roman numerals you notice. 

I think back to my schools days and I was the kid thinking “why do we have to know this?”     What I would tell my students now is because Roman Numerals are all around us and learning all types of numeration systems helps your common number sense.  Learning new ways to count gives you a better understanding of numeration systems and broadens your ability to think critically at a higher level.  A class I worked in incorporated Roman numerals into their morning message every day.  The students counted the days of school from I to CLXXII with Roman numerals.  The students became fluent in Roman numerals because they were challenged each day to count how many days they had been in school.       

Numeration systems are fun to learn, it is like learning a new language.  It can be challenging while helping you grow as a learner and thinker.  I found a Roman numeral matching game that helps you practice the numerals against a clock.  Fact Monster also had an easy to read chart to learn the basic numerals.  The last site I enjoyed reading from Nova Roma explained the process and reasoning behind Roman numerals in a more narrative form with detailed explanations.                

Roman Numeral Matching Game

Roman Numeral Chart and Challenge

Roman Numerals