Learn the best way to teach multi-digit multiplication and long division. This differentiated strategy helps 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and special education students.
You’ve found a great place to start if you want the best strategies for teaching multi-digit multiplication and long division.
I’ve found that these are the easiest methods for student learning. Best of all, they work with 4th-grade students, 5th-grade students, at-risk students, strugglers, and special education students – ALL STUDENTS!
Years ago, teaching multiplication and long-division standard algorithms was a huge dread factor for me. The traditional methods I was using just weren’t working.
My students got so confused. They forgot the steps. They couldn’t line up their numbers, and – they couldn’t even read their own writing.
Visual Strategies to Simplify Multiplication and Long Division
I knew there had to be a better way. But I couldn’t find one. So, I developed a strategy of my own, which I call Shaped Math Organizers.
I’ve been teaching this strategy for multi-digit multiplication and long division in my classroom for years and years – and I’ve received fantastic feedback from other teachers about their successes using it!
Understanding the Visual Organizers
The shaped multiplication and division organizers use shapes and colors to walk students through each step and help them remember the sequence.
The shapes and colors give students just the right amount of support until they’re confident enough to tackle the math on their own. Over time, the organizer fades away, and they no longer need it. It’s a simple but powerful way to help all students—especially those who struggle—feel successful.
The organizers look like this for multiplication:
And here’s the organizer for long-division problems:
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching with Visual Organizers
Be sure to watch this short video for step-by-step help with teaching 2-digit multiplication.
The video below has step-by-step directions for teaching long division with the standard algorithm.
Strategies for Whole Group Instruction
I like to kick things off with a whole-group lesson using the SmartBoard (or any interactive whiteboard) so everyone can see the organizer in action. After that, we move into small groups and one-on-one support to reinforce the process.
How I Introduce the Organizer
First, I introduce the organizer and have students notice the different shapes and colors. We talk about how these visuals guide them through multi-step problems and make long calculations more manageable.
When teaching this strategy, I start with basic multiplication or division problems—keeping it simple at first. For example, I introduce a 2-digit × 1-digit problem so students can get comfortable with the organizer before jumping into multi-step multiplication.
Thinking Out Loud
I always think out loud as I model the steps. I’ll say something like: “I need to multiply the 5 in the one’s pentagon by the 3 in the circle.”
As I talk, I point to the shapes and numbers and fill in the organizer in real time. This helps students connect the visual cues to the actual math steps.
Students watch as I model the process several times. As I’m modeling the procedure, I ask questions about the sequence of steps.
Students Follow Along
While I model at the SmartBoard, students follow along at their seats using their own organizers. They love using dry-erase markers on clear plastic sleeves, which makes the practice feel interactive and low-pressure. Plus, it keeps the organizers reusable for repeated practice!
“Circles Go With Circles; Squares Go With Squares“
The photo below shows an important pattern: any digit multiplied by the 3 in the red circle has its product written in the red circles directly below.
That’s why I constantly remind students: “Circles go with circles!”
The same rule applies to squares! Any digit multiplied by the 2 in the blue square has its product written in the blue squares on the organizer.
So I repeat (a LOT): “Squares go with squares.”
Reinforcing these patterns helps students stay on track and makes multi-step multiplication feel more predictable and manageable.
When I teach this, I sound like a broken record (and I’m totally okay with that).
I’m constantly repeating:
“Circles go with circles.”
“Squares go with squares.”
And you’ll be happy to know it works! Even when you start differentiating, removing colors, and transitioning to the black-and-white version of the organizer, the structure sticks—making it easier for students to stay on track.
Focused Learning in Small-Groups and Individual Instruction
After our whole-group lesson, it’s time for students to tackle the assignment on their own.
As they work, I do a quick classroom walk-through to see who’s cruising along and who looks a little lost. That’s when I either pull a small group to the back table for extra support or stop for some one-on-one help to keep everyone on track.
Dry-Erase Sleeves Are A Classroom Essential
I loved using these terrific dry-erase sleeves (Click here for similar ones from Amazon). They’re reusable, and I used them almost daily in so many ways for different subjects.
They work well for quick practice, partner work, and small-group stations. Plus, kids love using dry-erase markers because it makes the work feel more like a fun activity than a regular assignment.
Differentiating Instruction with Colors and Shapes
Differentiation is built right in with the Shaped Math organizers and worksheets. Their versatility makes scaffolding a breeze—you can easily adjust the level of support, so every student gets exactly what they need to succeed!
How to Differentiate Using the Organizers
For students who need extra support, start with the colors and shapes to help guide them through the steps. You can gradually reduce those supports as they get more comfortable by introducing the pre-made worksheets without colors.
Eventually, you can remove both the shapes and colors and transition to the graph paper worksheets included in the set. When the time is right, students can move on to solving multiplication or division problems independently—no colors, no shapes, no grid paper needed.
The built-in scaffolding in these sets helps students gain confidence and stay engaged. And when students feel confident, they take pride in their work and are more eager to learn.
Flexible Tools to Meet Every Student’s Needs
These multiplication and division sets include a variety of organizer sizes to fit different learning needs. Plus, the ready-to-print worksheets give you the flexibility to introduce more complex skills when your students are ready.
Steps to Scaffold and Support Student Learning
Here’s how I’d recommend phasing out supports to help students gain confidence and independence:
- Start by removing the colors from the organizers.
- Phase out the shapes.
- Transition away from the organizers completely.
- Move to using graph paper to keep things structured.
- Shift from graph paper to complete independence.
I usually start by eliminating the colors first, but if you notice a student struggling without them, try using markers to manually add the colors back in as a temporary scaffold. From there, you can gradually fade those supports at a pace that works for them.
The key here? You decide the right time to remove each layer of support based on your students’ needs.
The goal is to move them from using the organizers to grid paper and, eventually, to solving problems completely on their own—no organizers, no grid paper, just pure math confidence!
Using Anchor Charts to Support Learning
I LOVE anchor charts—they’re easy to make and absolutely FABULOUS as reference tools!
Below is the multiplication anchor chart I used and displayed in my classroom. It’s a go-to visual that helps students stay on track while solving problems.
2-Digit Multiplication Anchor Chart
Creating a Long Division Anchor Chart
I’ve begun using this mnemonic device featuring good ole’ McDonald’s 🍔🍟
- Does (Divide)
- McDonald’s (Multiply),
- Serve (Subtract),
- Cheese (Check),
- Burgers (Bring down),
- Really? (Repeat and start over).
I used the Division Family pneumonic device in the past, but families can look very different, so I switched to the McDonald’s saying instead.
- Daddy, (Divide)
- Mommy (Multiply),
- Sister (Subtract),
- Brother (Bring Down),
- Rover (Repeat and start over).
Using It in the Classroom
Sometimes, I have a long division problem ready to go at the start of math class, like morning work. Once students get the hang of the routine, I switch things up by changing the numbers on our Sticky-Note anchor chart. I try to keep it color-coordinated… but let’s be real—life happens.
Having a Post-It Note anchor chart makes adjusting problems quick and easy while keeping students engaged!
One more thing about Sticky-Note anchor charts—students LOVE being in charge of changing the numbers! It makes them feel involved and keeps them engaged.
Plus, for some kids, that little job is a big confidence booster. Giving them ownership over the chart adds an extra layer of motivation and helps reinforce the steps in a fun, hands-on way!
Articles about Multi-Digit Multiplication:
- 3 Ideas for Teaching Multi-Digit Multiplication – Here are 3 FAST ideas for teaching multi-digit multiplication. These interventions are easy and quick for busy teachers.
- 2-Digit Multiplication Worksheets: Differentiated – Here’s a visual method for teaching 2-digit multiplication using differentiated visual cues to guide students’ learning for success.
- 2-Digit Multiplication Made Easier! – Here’s how to use the double-digit multiplication organizers and worksheets.
Articles about Long Division:
- Differentiated Long Division Worksheets for FREE – Grab these differentiated long division worksheets for FREE and dramatically boost student success and your teaching success!
- Graph Paper Math Intervention – This blog article explains how to use graph paper as a quick and easy intervention resource with your students. In addition, it includes links to free printable graph paper and ideas about how to use it in your classroom.
Differentiated Multiplication Resources:
- 2 Digit Multiplication Worksheets and Organizers Set – This new double-digit multiplication method uses colors and shapes to provide a visual, concrete strategy for teaching 2-digit multiplication.
- 2-Digit Multiplication and 3-Digit Multiplication Worksheets and Organizers – This multi-digit (3-digit x 2-digit) multiplication method uses colors and shapes for a visual, concrete strategy.
- Multiplication 2-Digit x 1-Digit and 3-Digit x 1-Digit Worksheets and Organizers – This set includes 2-digit x 1-digit and 3-digit x 1-digit multiplication with these worksheets and organizers.
- 3-Digit and 4-Digit Multiplication Worksheets and Organizers – This multi-digit (3-digit x 3-digit and 4-digit x 3-digit) multiplication method uses colors and shapes for a visual, concrete strategy.
- All Multiplication Resources – Check out all the multiplication resources I offer in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Differentiated Long Division Resources:
- Long Division Differentiated Worksheets and Organizers – Visit Teachers Pay Teachers to see the complete set of organizers and worksheets included in the original kit.
- All Division Resources – Check out ALL the multiplication resources I offer in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
- 2-Digit Divisors Long Division Differentiated Worksheets and Organizers – When you get ready to move on to 2-digit divisors, this is the perfect resource for promoting advanced long division learning with your students.
- 2 Digit Multiplication Worksheets and Organizers – Differentiated Resource – Visit Teachers Pay Teachers to see the complete set of organizers and worksheets included in this original kit.
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Written by Jules Rhee, MEd, and 30-year teaching veteran; Updated January 2025.
