As a math teacher, you know how important it is to teach students to multiply using the distributive property. This concept helps lay the foundation for more advanced math skills, and it’s a critical part of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

One effective way to teach this concept is through the use of area models. Area models provide a visual representation of the distributive property, making it easier for students to understand and remember.

Here are a few activities you can use to teach students to multiply using the distributive property with area models:

1. Interactive Whiteboard Activity

Use an interactive whiteboard to create an area model of a multiplication problem. For example, if you’re teaching the distributive property using the problem 5 x 7, draw a rectangle that is 5 units wide and 7 units tall. Divide the rectangle into two smaller rectangles – one that is 5 units wide and 4 units tall, and the other that is 5 units wide and 3 units tall. Ask students to calculate the area of each smaller rectangle, and then add the two areas together to get the total area of the larger rectangle.

Repeat this activity with different problems, gradually increasing the complexity of the problems to challenge students.

2. Paper-and-Pencil Activity

Provide students with a worksheet containing a series of multiplication problems. Ask students to use area models to solve each problem, drawing rectangles and dividing them into smaller rectangles as needed. Encourage students to label each rectangle with its dimensions.

3. Group Activity

Divide students into groups of three or four. Provide each group with a set of multiplication problems to solve. Ask each group to use area models to solve the problems, and then have them compare their solutions with the other groups. Encourage students to discuss their methods and reasoning with their group and with the class as a whole.

4. Virtual Activity

There are many online tools and apps available that allow students to create and manipulate digital area models. This can be a fun and engaging way to teach the distributive property. Consider using tools like Geogebra, Mathigon, or Symbolab to create online activities to reinforce this concept.

By using area models to teach the distributive property, you can help your students better understand this important math concept. These activities are fun and engaging, and they provide a visual representation of the distributive property that can help students remember it more easily. With these activities, you can help your students master this concept and build a strong foundation for their future math studies.