Multiplication Matrix Box

Our class anchor chart

Close-up of the box itself

An example

We finally began 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication this week! The kids are absolutely loving the matrix box we use to introduce 2x2 multiplication!! They love it because it's super easy. I love is because it shows them the place value involved in 2x2 multiplication. They can actually see the process of multiplying the ones and tens of one number by the ones and tens of the second number. When they finally move to vertical multiplication, they'll actually understand why they put zeros here and there.Yea! There's nothing better than actually understanding WHY you do something!!!

The matrix box can actually be formatted to fit more than 2x2 multiplication. We'll be working on making our matrix boxes the size we need next week. More to come!!