Multiplication is essentially repeated addition, or growing numbers by doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and so on. This unit presents mental models and strategies that help students learn and review the concept of multiplication. Students explore multiplication using arrays, partial products, doubling methods and the standard algorithm to solve numerical and word problems. Students will multiply whole numbers and simple decimals by base ten exponents (i.e. .3 x 103).

Understanding how our ten number system works enables students to see interesting and useful patterns and relationships in these math activities. These patterns allow students to develop more efficient mental math strategies when multiplying by multiples of 10 or 100. Students will also review rounding and apply this skill to larger numbers - up to 100,000’s place.

This year, second graders will be introduced to the concept of multiplication using repeated addition. For example, they will learn that 5+5+5+5+5 is the same thing as saying 5x5. This guided lesson will use manipulatives to teach kids about repeated addition and give them plenty of opportunities to practice addition within 100. Download and print the accompanying worksheets for even more addition practice.