Are you having trouble understanding and teaching the different strategies for multiplying decimals?
One of the most common lines I hear from parents is, "I just don't get this "new math" or "what happened to the math I learned as a kid?"
Whether you're a teacher who's having trouble with this, or you're a frustrated parent, I'm going to break it down for you as simply as possible.
(Make sure you click here to grab a copy of sample templates that you can use with your class and a parent quick sheet you can send out when you introduce your unit)
There are 3 common strategies for multiplying decimals:
- standard algorithm (also called the traditional method or "how I learned when I was a kid")
- a visual model using hundredths grids
- an area model
In the videos below, I'm going to take you through a few sample problems using each of the strategies listed above.
Materials Used in the Videos
- dry erase pocket* - get a class set
- Expo dry erase markers (thin)*
- blank multiplying decimals sample page
*Amazon Affiliate Links
That wasn't too bad, was it?
The truth is...I was hesitant when I first had to teach these strategies. After getting used to them and seeing them in action, I've found that some students really benefit from this "new math", especially those who learn more visually and conceptually as opposed to just memorizing an algorithm (I was that kid).
Do you want to share this information with parents from your class?
Click here to download a PDF with the links to these videos.
You can:
- send it out in your newsletter to parents
- share it with your students on Google Classroom or any digital platform you use
Looking for Even More?
Check out some of these resources that use various strategies, including visual models, to teach common math skills.
