Break Apart Multiplication

About this resource

Looking for break apart multiplication pages your third and fourth graders can draw on and fill in? This set has 20 student sheets built on one idea: split a multiplication fact into two easier facts, then add. Students read an array that is already split, draw the line themselves, fill in the missing part of an equation, find the area of two rectangles in an area model, break a two-digit number into tens and ones, cut and glue arrays and area models to their equations, and solve word problems. Every page has a big "My name" line, one short instruction with a small picture, big arrays and big boxes to write in. Print and go: students draw and color with a pencil or crayon, and the number boxes can be typed into on screen.

EVERYTHING INSIDE (31 pages)

• 1 how-to page: 7 x 6 broken apart as 7 x 5 plus 7 x 1 on a split array, then one to try
• 3 split-array sheets, 4 problems each: read an array that is already split, draw the line after a given column, draw your own line (only the total is fixed)
• 3 missing-part equation sheets (6, 5 and 6 problems): fill in the first part, fill in the second part and add, break apart the first number
• 5 area-model sheets, 4 problems each: write the area of each rectangle and add, find the missing part, tens and ones given, write the tens and ones yourself, and a bigger set such as 23 x 4
• 2 cut-and-glue sheets with 6 pieces each (12 cut pieces): arrays to their break-apart equations, area models to their equations
• 3 word-problem sheets, 4 problems each: the break apart is given, students choose it, and tens and ones
• 1 check-it sheet (6 problems): add the two parts, compare with the whole, write yes or no
• 2 make-your-own sheets: a blank 10 by 10 array and a blank area model for any problem
• 3 answer-key pages, a tracker with a roll-up graph (17 scored sheets, 79 problems), a filled example (an invented student), a family page, a Start Here page, a terms page, a What's Next page and a credits page

Three Levels

A small shape in the top corner of 17 student sheets tells you the level: a circle (5 sheets) is starting, the split is done for the student; a square (7 sheets) is building, the student draws the line or finds the part; a triangle (5 sheets) is ready for more, the student chooses the break apart. The how-to page and the two make-your-own sheets carry no level shape.

How It Works

1. Pick a section: split arrays, missing-part equations, area models, cut-glue-and-stories, or check it and make your own.

2. Print a page and hand it over. One short instruction, one job. Students draw the line, then write in the boxes.

3. Check with the key, write the date and score on the tracker, and color the roll-up column.

Built For The Child Holding The Page

A big "My name" line, big print, arrays with squares big enough to count and draw on, and room to write. Nothing on a student page is written for an adult; the keys, tracker and notes are on separate teacher pages. All names and numbers on the practice sheets are made up. Every array is drawn by code and its two colored parts are counted back out of the drawing and checked against the numbers, every equation is worked out two ways (the whole product and the sum of the parts), and every answer in the key comes from the same numbers as its page.

What This Is, And What It Is Not

Who This Is For

Third and fourth grade teachers, interventionists, special education teachers and families who want break apart multiplication practice from a split array to tens and ones in an area model.