Area Model of Multiplication - Upper Elementary Mathematics

Recently I have been working not only at the summer school program but also as a tutor for an upper elementary school student.  With the Common Core State Standards, teaching mathematics in a manner that is understandable and coherent for elementary school level students remains a challenge.  One topic that has received particular criticism and that many educators, parents, and students view as a challenge is the area model of multiplication under the fifth-grade mathematics standards.  I am currently working on this topic with the student I tutor and would like to share what I have found helpful so far in hopes that other teachers and educators will find it useful.

1. Complete problems using both the area model and the standard algorithm when introducing students to the area model of multiplication.  Students may already be familiar and more comfortable with the standard algorithm, and completing a problem both ways helps students to compare and contrast the two methods.  This also helps students to see that both methods are equally valid ways to arrive at the correct answer.

Example:

2. While students are working to master the skill, provide students with a written and verbal step-by-step procedure for using the area model of multiplication.  This type of task analysis gives students a type of "road map" that they may refer to while completing problems for help.  Providing students with a sample completed problem and these steps while they begin to complete area model problems gives them guidance and support.  I have seen mentor teachers write up anchor chart versions of the following and leave the anchor chart up while students work on practice math problems.  This strategy of giving students written instructions, whether in an anchor chart or in a small note as follows, seems to reduce the time spent re-explaining a mathematical procedure.

Close up view of the procedure/task analysis:

Close-up view of the sample worked problem:

3. Last but not least, patience, time, and practice are key.  I introduced this skill to my student at one tutoring session and plan to have the student practice using the area model for at least two or three more tutoring sessions.  The area model is a challenging mathematical procedure for many students.  Keep in mind that the area model emphasizes place value, viewing multiplication as an efficient way to combine large numbers, and demonstrates to students that multiplication is a similar process to addition.  Even though the area model of multiplication is a challenging procedure, it is well worth teaching to students because of the important mathematical concepts, ideas, and facts it encompasses.

Below is a link to a YouTube video I found very helpful on the area model of multiplication:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdYV6i-kXcA

Betsy's explanation of the area model of multiplication.  From Classroom Caboodle via YouTube.