Skip Counting Songs

Our 3rd grade classes are just starting to practice skip counting in preparation to learn multiplication.  This is a much more effective strategy than rote memorization of facts.  If you can't remember 8x7, you need some kind of strategy to solve it.  Skip counting also ties in with the Touch Math strategies that I use with my math groups.  Visit this website to find some fun skip counting songs:  Skip Counting Songs

Multiplying Using Distributive Property

Today we learned how to multiply using the Distributive Property.  This is probably a new concept for parents, but not as complicated as it seems.  We will eventually learn to multiply 2-digit numbers the "mom and dad" way, so please be patient!  If you have any questions about this method, or the reasoning behind it, please feel free to stop in.  It might make more sense if I show it to you in person.  :)

Step 1:  We are going to solve 5 x 17

Step 2:  Draw a box on grid paper to show 5 x 17 (5 down, 17 across)

Step 3:  Break apart 17 into smaller numbers that are easier to multiply (I used 10 + 7)

Step 4:  Separate the rectangle to break apart 17 (we now have 10 on one side, and 7 on the other)

Step 5:  (optional) Shade the rectangles

Step 6:  Find the area of each rectangle by multiplying (5x10 yellow and 5x7 orange).  

The answers are called partial products.

Step 7:  Add your partial products (50 + 35)

Step 8:  You are done!  5 x 17 = 85