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How to Teach Multi-Digit Multiplication and Long Division

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!

how to teach multiplication and long division standard algorithm

Years ago, teaching the multiplication and long division standard algorithms had 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.

Shaped Math Multiplication & Long Division Strategies

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!

The best strategy for teaching multi-digit multiplication is using a visual organizer
This page is from the multiplication organizer set.

About the Organizers

The shaped multiplication and shaped division organizers use shapes and colors to help students remember the sequence of steps.

The shapes and colors guide students through the problems until they’re comfortable with the process. Eventually, they’ll no longer need the organizer. It’s a visual process that works for many students – including struggling students.

The organizers look like this for multiplication:

multiplication organizer helps students learn the steps of the standard algorithm for multiplication

And here’s the organizer for long-division problems:

long division organizers for math lessons to help students learn the steps of the long division standard algorithm

How I Explicitly Teach These Strategies

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.

Whole Group Instruction

I typically use the SmartBoard (interactive whiteboard) in front of the classroom for whole-group lessons, followed by small groups and individual help.

To start, I introduce the organizer and invite my students to notice the different shapes and colors. Then, we talk about how the different shapes and colors help us solve long math problems.

As I introduce this strategy, I start by demonstrating basic multiplication (or division) problems. For example, I would start with a 2-digit x 1-digit problem using the organizer. Then, after a quick review, I explicitly teach how to solve the multi-step multiplication problem using the organizer. 

I explicitly explain my thinking out loud for students to hear. For example, I say, “I need to multiply the 5 in the one’s pentagon by the 3 in the circle.” I make sure to point to the shapes and numbers, and I fill in the organizer as I speak.

Students watch as I model the process several times. As I’m modeling the procedure, I ask questions about the sequence of steps.

While I’m at the Smartboard, students follow along with their own organizers at their seats. Students enjoy using organizers placed in clear, plastic sleeves with dry-erase markers.

Circles Go With Circles; Squares Go With Squares

The photo below shows that any digit multiplied by the 3 in the red circle results in the product written in the red circles below the 3. This is why I keep repeating, “Circles go with circles.”

The digits multiplied by the 2 in the blue square result in products written in the blue squares on the organizer. So I repeat, “Squares go with squares” over and over.

multiplication posters and organizers for math lessons to help students learn the steps of the standard algorithm for multiplication
multiplication organizer on an interactive board

While teaching, I sound like a broken record, constantly repeating, “Circles go with circles; squares go with squares.” This technique works even as you begin differentiating, eliminating colors, and moving to the black and white shape organizer.

Small-Group/Individual Instruction

Next, we transition from whole group instruction to independently working on the assignment.

As students work, I take a quick walk through the classroom noticing which students appear confused. That’s when I typically either pull students into a small group at the back table or offer individual help.

The Reusable Clear Plastic Sleeves

I love using these terrific dry-erase sleeves (Click here for similar ones from Amazon). I love them and use them almost daily in so many ways for different subjects. 

Shaped Math Uses Colors & Shapes for Differentiation

Differentiation is simple with the organizers and worksheets in the Shaped Math sets. The versatility allows you to scaffold to the just-right level of help for each student’s unique needs. 

How to Differentiate Using the Organizers

Ramp up the help for students who need maximum support by using colors and shapes. As students improve their skills, decrease reliance by eliminating the colors and introducing the pre-made worksheets.

Eventually, you can eliminate shapes and colors and transition to the included graph paper worksheets. Then, when the time is right, students can transition to the basic multiplication or division algorithm without colors, shapes, or graph paper.

The scaffolding options offered in these sets increase student confidence and engagement. Confidence and engagement lead to confidence, pride, and eagerness to learn.

Teaching multi-digit multiplication is much easier with these different sized organizers with shapes and colors to guide learners
Beginner’s set and 3-Digit and 4-Digit set of worksheets and organizers

The multiplication and division sets include a variety of different-sized organizers. In addition, pre-designed worksheets allow you to choose the right time to introduce more complex skills.

Typical Scaffolding

Progression typically involves:

  • Eliminating colors on the organizers
  • Eliminating shapes
  • Eliminating the organizers
  • Transitioning to graph paper
  • Transitioning from graph paper to independence. 

I initially eliminate the colors on the student’s organizer. However, if you notice they’re struggling without the colors, so I try using markers to add the colors back in. There are many ways to assist your students in providing the perfect levels of support.

You decide the right time to eliminate colors on the organizers with the eventual goal of eliminating the organizer. Students can then transition to graph paper worksheets before transitioning to independence with no organizers or graph paper.

product cover image of 2-Digit Multiplication and Long Division with 1-Digit Divisors BUNDLE
Click the image to learn more

Anchor Charts in the Classroom

I LOVE anchor charts – they’re easy to make and FABULOUS reference tools! Below is the multiplication anchor chart I use and display as a reference for my students. 

2-Digit Multiplication Anchor Chart

anchor chart or poster on a bulletin board showing 2-digit x 2-digit multiplication
how-to-teach-multi-digit-multiplication-anchor-chart-1
Anchor chart using the visual organizer with colors and shapes

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).

Sometimes I have a problem ready to go at the beginning of math class, like morning work.

Once students catch on to the long division routine, I change the Post-It Notes numbers. I do my best to keep it color-coordinated, but life happens. Having a Sticky-Note anchor chart does make changing problems easier and more fun. There’s just something about sticky notes that students like.

2-digit multiplication anchor chart reference poster
sticky note anchor chart

I have one final thought on the sticky note anchor charts. Students love being in charge of changing the numbers. Plus, some students need that additional attention and confidence boost.

I’d love to hear how you use sticky notes in your classroom! 

long division organizers for math lessons to help students learn the steps of the long division traditional algorithm

Articles about Multi-Digit Multiplication:

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:

Differentiated Long Division Resources:

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