Multiplication is so critical in elementary school - especially in third grade where the standards are almost to the entire curriculum! (Alright, I may be exaggerating a bit, but it is a lot!) In fact, in third grade, teachers have to teach students the four different ways to represent multiplication such as equal grouping, repeated addition, creating arrays, and using a number line.
Since I want to make sure students not only can represent these four ways, but also understand the real, deeper meaning of multiplication, I have them present it in a bit of a nontraditional way. I throw out the paper and pencil (but really hunt it down later for this anyway...), and give them one of these ways to present it:
Using a hot air balloon. That's right... Soaring high for multiplication representation!
Creating a star mobile. Because we are super stars with multiplication!
Or
Creating a fun, four door foldable. (I have no amazing saying here. Bummer!)
Of course I also have a really neat looking Frayer Model printable for them too:
All of this is FREE for you to download... Just head on over to my blog to check it out!
Click on my logo, The Owl Teacher, below!
