About

The area model for multiplication is a model where the factors are the side lengths of the rectangle, and the product is the area.

This model helps students build their understanding of multiplication and is an effective way to transition to multi-digit multiplication. If you plan to teach the traditional algorithm, the area model can be an excellent way to begin, ensuring that understanding is built along the way.

This extensive resource helps students progress from beginning to advanced understanding of the area model.

What's Included?

Introductory Activities: Activities to activate prior knowledge of area and decomposing a rectangle into smaller parts. (2 pages)

1-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: Activities to transition students from an area model with gridlines to a rectangle with side lengths labelled. Students will practice using the expanded form to label the sides. They will also work on using estimation strategies to estimate the product. (8 pages)

1-Digit by 3-Digit Multiplication: Now that students have learned 1 by 2-digit multiplication, they’ll see that it’s the same process to multiply a 1-digit number by a 3-digit number. (7 pages)

2-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: Now students will transition to 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication by expanding both factors. Students are scaffolded through this process. (7 pages)

Extending Past 2-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: In this wind-up section, students will understand that this process can be used to multiply factors with any number of digits. They will also compare the area model to other strategies, allowing them to form new connections. (2 pages)

What Teachers Are Saying

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I needed spiral review for my math stations and this is it! Each step is clearly broken down so students can work independently and practice their multiplication and area model skills." Ima Magical Unicorn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Just like all of the products that Ms. Shelley produces, this one has been an awesome addition to my classroom. Students are applying a deeper meeting to multiplication this year than they have in the past. They are also able to make connections with multiplication much more efficiently." Heather Z.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This resource made it easy to teach the area model. Students could look back at the step by step instructions if they needed extra help. The variety of questions allowed students lots of opportunity to practice and solidify their learning." Sherry T.