Learn the best way to teach multi-digit multiplication and long division with shape-based visuals. Ideal for 3rd – 5th grade and special education students. Boost confidence and clarity.
Teaching long multiplication and long division doesn’t have to be overwhelming — for you or your students.
These simple, visual strategies make complex math easier to understand and teach, especially in 4th and 5th grade classrooms. They’re also a game-changer for struggling learners and special education students who need extra support without the stress.
Years ago, teaching the standard algorithm for long multiplication and division was something I absolutely dreaded. The traditional methods I used just weren’t clicking.
My students were confused. They forgot the steps, couldn’t keep their numbers lined up, and half the time they couldn’t even read their own handwriting — let alone fix their mistakes.
Visual Strategies to Simplify Long Multiplication and Division
I knew there had to be a better way — but I couldn’t find one that actually worked for my students. So I developed my own method, now known as Shape Visual Organizers.
I’ve been using this visual strategy to teach multi-digit multiplication and long division in my own classroom for years — and the response from other teachers has been so encouraging!
These organizers are making a big difference for students who struggle with multi-step math.
Understanding the Visual Organizers
These shaped multiplication and division organizers use color-coded shapes to walk students through each step — helping them follow the sequence, line up numbers, and keep their work organized.
The shapes provide just the right amount of visual structure until students are confident enough to do the math independently. Over time, they outgrow the scaffolding and don’t need the organizer at all. It’s a simple, powerful strategy that helps all learners — especially those who need extra support — feel successful with long multiplication and division.
Here’s what the multiplication organizer looks like:
And here’s the version for long-division:
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching with Shape Visual Organizers
Be sure to watch this quick video tutorial for step-by-step help teaching 2-digit multiplication using Shape Visual Organizers:
And if you’re teaching long division with the standard algorithm, this next video breaks it down using clear, visual scaffolding your students will actually follow:
Strategies for Whole Group Instruction
I like to kick things off with a whole-group lesson using my SmartBoard (or any interactive whiteboard) so all students can see the organizer in action. From there, we shift into small groups and one-on-one support to reinforce the process using the same language and shapes.
How I Introduce the Organizer
First, I show students the organizer and point out the different colors and shapes. We talk about how these visuals help guide their thinking — kind of like a roadmap for solving multi-step math problems.
I always start simple. For long multiplication, I begin with a 2-digit × 1-digit problem. This helps students get comfortable with the organizer and the strategy before moving on to trickier problems like 2-digit × 2-digit.
Thinking Out Loud
As I model the steps, I think out loud so students can hear my reasoning. I might say something like:
“Now I need to multiply the 5 in the one’s pentagon by the 3 in the red circle…”
As I speak, I point to each shape and number, filling in the organizer in real time. This helps students connect the visual cues to the actual math process.
I model this a few times while asking guiding questions like,
“What do I multiply next?” or “Where does the number go after I regroup?”
Students Follow Along
While I’m modeling at the SmartBoard, students follow along at their desks using their own organizers. I love using dry-erase markers with clear plastic sleeves — it makes the activity feel interactive and low-pressure. Plus, it keeps the organizers reusable for ongoing practice and review!
“Circles Go With Circles, Squares Go With Squares“
This part is key — and it’s one of the first visual patterns I teach when using Shape Visual Organizers for long multiplication.
In the example below, you’ll notice that any digit multiplied by the 3 in the red circle has its product written directly underneath… inside the red circles.
That’s why I repeat (like a broken record):
“Circles go with circles!”
The same goes for squares. If a number is multiplied by the 2 in the blue square, the product belongs in the blue squares underneath.
“Squares go with squares!”
Reinforcing these patterns helps students stay on track and makes multi-digit multiplication feel more predictable and manageable. It creates a visual rhythm that students quickly begin to trust.
Even when we transition away from the color-coded version and start using black-and-white organizers, that structure still sticks. The routine becomes automatic — and that’s when the magic happens.
Focused Learning in Small-Groups and One-on-One Instruction
After our whole-group lesson, students begin working independently on their long multiplication or long division assignment using the Shape Visual Organizers.
As they work, I do a quick walk-around to see who’s cruising and who’s getting stuck. That’s when I either pull a small group to the back table for extra support or offer one-on-one help right at their desks. These visuals make it easier to see exactly where students need help — and what’s clicking.
Dry-Erase Sleeves = A Must-Have
I can’t recommend dry-erase sleeves enough! (Click here for similar ones from Amazon).
They’re reusable, easy to set up, and perfect for quick practice, partner work, or small-group stations. Plus, students love using dry-erase markers — it turns the activity into something that feels more like a game and less like another worksheet.
Differentiating Instruction with Colors and Shapes
Differentiation is built right into the Shape Visual Organizer system. The color-coded shapes offer just enough structure for students who need support — and they’re easy to fade out when students are ready.
How to Differentiate Using the Organizers
✅ Start with the full-color organizer for students who need step-by-step guidance
✅ Transition to the black-and-white version with shapes only
✅ Then move to graph paper worksheets without shapes or colors
✅ Eventually, students are solving problems independently — no scaffolds needed!
This built-in scaffolding makes it easy to support every student without needing separate resources. It builds confidence gradually and helps students visualize long multiplication and division in a way that makes sense.
And the best part? When students feel confident, they’re more engaged, take pride in their work, and actually start to enjoy the process.
Flexible Tools to Support Every Student
The Shape Visual Organizer sets include multiple organizer sizes and worksheet formats, making it easy to adjust the level of support based on each student’s needs. Whether you’re introducing a new concept or reinforcing skills with struggling learners, these tools grow right alongside your students.
Steps to Scaffold and Build Independence
Here’s how I recommend phasing out support to boost confidence with long multiplication and long division:
- Start by removing the colors from the organizers
- Then phase out the shapes
- Transition to using graph paper only
- Finally, move students to solve problems without any scaffolds
You can customize this progression for each learner. For example, if a student struggles when the colors are removed, you can use markers to manually add them back in temporarily — it’s a simple way to offer just-in-time support while still moving forward.
🎯 The Real Goal?
Not just getting the right answer — but helping students feel confident, capable, and independent when solving multi-step multiplication and division problems on their own.
No organizers.
No grid paper.
Just strong math thinking — and proud smiles.
Using Anchor Charts to Support Learning
I LOVE anchor charts—they’re easy to create and absolutely fabulous as visual reference tools for students.
Here’s one of my go-to anchor charts for teaching 2-digit multiplication using Shape Visual Organizers. I keep it displayed during lessons and small-group time so students can refer to it as they solve problems independently.
2-Digit Multiplication Anchor Chart
Creating a Long Division Anchor Chart
When it comes to long division, I like to keep things fun and memorable — and what’s more memorable than McDonald’s?
I use this student-friendly mnemonic device:
🍔 Does (Divide)
🍟 McDonald’s (Multiply)
🥤 Serve (Subtract)
🧀 Cheese (Check)
🍔 Burgers (Bring down)
🔁 Really? (Repeat and start over)
I used to teach the classic “Division Family” version — Daddy, Mommy, Sister, Brother, Rover — but switched to the McDonald’s version to be more inclusive and relevant to today’s classroom.
- Daddy, (Divide)
- Mommy (Multiply),
- Sister (Subtract),
- Brother (Bring Down),
- Rover (Repeat and start over).
Using It in the Classroom
Sometimes I’ll have a long division problem posted as morning work, with a sticky-note anchor chart already up on the board.
As students solve the problem, I can swap out the numbers easily by just changing the Post-Its. (I try to stay color-coordinated… but let’s be honest, real life happens.)
And you know what? Students LOVE taking ownership of the anchor chart — changing the numbers, moving pieces, and explaining the steps to their classmates.
That tiny job becomes a big confidence booster, and it helps reinforce the division routine in a way that’s hands-on and memorable.
✅ Want to Try These Organizers in Your Classroom?
If you’re ready to bring structure, confidence, and visual support to your math block, these organizers are a classroom game-changer.
👉 Click here to explore the Shape Visual Organizer sets for multiplication and division on TPT
You’ll get:
- Color-coded and blackline versions
- Beginner through 4-digit organizers
- Graph paper templates
- Answer keys, visuals, and tons of differentiation built right in
Math gets easier for your students — and way less stressful for you!
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 June 2025.
