Mathematics is a subject that is essential for everyone to learn. One critical math skill that every student must acquire is multiplication—the process of computing the product of two or more numbers. Multiplication is an essential skill in mathematics that is taught right from the elementary level. One area where students may encounter difficulties is when multiplying 1-digit numbers by teen numbers. One effective way to teach students this concept is by using grids.

Using grids is an efficient method to teach students to multiply 1-digit numbers by teen numbers. Below are some engaging activities to help students learn this concept:

1. Introduction to Grid Multiplication

Before you teach students how to multiply using grids, it’s vital to explain what grids are. Draw a grid on the board, telling the students it consists of boxes arranged in rows and columns. Explain that grids help students to keep track of the numbers they need to multiply when computing products. You can then demonstrate how to use a grid. Choose a simple problem like 3×13. In your demonstration, remind students to write one number vertically and the other horizontally in the grid. Encourage them to write 3 in the first column and 1 and 3 in the second column. Next, tell students to multiply the first number (3) by each of the numbers in the second column. Finally, let students add up the intermediate products in each row to get the final answer.

2. Using Grids to Multiply 1-Digit Numbers with Teen Numbers

After introducing students to grid multiplication, it’s time to help them practice using this method. Provide students with a 10-by-10 grid on a worksheet. The rows of the grid should have numbers from 10 to 19, while the columns should have single-digit numbers from 1 to 9. Give students a list of multiplication problems to solve, such as 5×11 or 6×12. Encourage students to write the first digit of the multiplication problem in the first row of the grid and the second digit in the first column of the grid. Then, instruct students to multiply the first digit by each of the digits in the second row of the grid. Finally, let them add up the intermediate results to find the final answer.

3. Multiplication Fun

To make learning multiplication more engaging and exciting, you can create a multiplication game. Divide the class into groups and give each group a grid. Have the groups race to finish multiplying 1-digit numbers by teen numbers. Each group member should take turns writing the first and second digits of the multiplication problem in the grid and filling in the intermediate products. Once a group completes all the problems, check their work for accuracy.

In conclusion, teaching students to multiply 1-digit numbers by teen numbers can be challenging. Using grids is an effective method that helps students to visualize the process and build confidence. By incorporating engaging activities, students will learn this essential math skill in a fun and exciting way.