'Written multiplication' tutor notes

This module can be used as a starting point for: learning different methods of written multiplication.

Please let us know what you think of the factsheets, worksheets and game at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

Students might like to look at the Times tables section before starting this module.

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/L1.3 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide using efficient written methods.
  N1/L1.4 - Multiply and divide whole numbers by 10 and 100.
  N1/L1.5 - Recall multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and make connections with division facts.
  
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Written multiplication factsheets
There are seven sheets in this section which can be printed out and kept.

• Factsheet 1 - Some reminders for written multiplication.
• Factsheet 2 - Timesavers x10 and x100.
• Factsheet 3 - Multiplying large numbers by splitting.
• Factsheet 4 - Multiplying large numbers - vertical method / traditional long multiplication.
• Factsheet 5 - Multiplying large numbers - lattice method - 1. With an easy sum.
• Factsheet 6 - Multiplying large numbers - lattice method - 2. Another lattice example with a harder sum.
• Factsheet 7 - A glossary of terms for multiplication.

The Amoeba Multiplication Game
In this game learners can practise the multiplication grid method shown in Factsheet 3.
Learners fill gaps by typing in. At each stage they are shown where they went wrong and get a second try. At the end of the game they are given a summary of how they got on in each section and an overall score.

If they get 75% or more, they get a bonus game - 'Shoot the Amoebas'.

TOP TIP! To see the game completely full screen, press the F11 key on the keyboard. This takes away the distraction of the top browser bar. To bring the browser bar back, just press F11 again!

Written multiplication quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest. The method shown in the feedback on the answer page is long multiplication.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Once printed students can write their name on the certificate.

Written multiplication worksheets
There are six printable worksheets in this section for learners to carry on the work done online.

• Worksheet 1 - Short multiplication.
• Worksheet 2 - Long multiplication.
• Worksheet 3 - Grid method multiplication.
• Worksheet 4 - Lattice method multiplication.
• Worksheet 5 - Puzzle 1. A crossword style multiplication puzzle.
• Worksheet 6 - Puzzle 2. A larger crossword style multiplication puzzle.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

Here are a few suggestions of other places on the web where you might find useful resources that you can adapt for teaching written multiplication.

• Multiplication.com
  A site with games, activities, techniques, tips and secrets for teaching times tables.
• AAA Math - multiplication
  An American site containing many pages demonstrating different multiplication skills, with interactive activities and games.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising written multiplication? Tell us about them!

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching written multiplication.