The activity in this free math tutoring video explains what is happening in the traditional multiplication algorithm. It should be done many times BEFORE the algorithm is introduced in order to aid in full comprehension. This can be done with very young children if they are familiar enough with the rods. You don’t have to wait until 3rd-4th grade – just wait until then to introduce the algorithm!
Formulas and algorithms should always be introduced last, after much play with manipulatives and discussion about what is happening with the numbers. Unfortunately, most schools and teachers skip right to the symbols after a very short period of explanation with manipulatives and many times with no explanation at all!
This free math tutoring video shows an important concept to understand for place value, the distributive property, and long multiplication and division. Start small and, over time, work your way up to the type of problem we did at the end. Let children figure out the pattern for themselves by using the Cuisenaire Rods to actually SEE how you are just jumping up to the next decimal place.
