Last week we began learning the traditional double digit multiplication algorithm. I noticed that 5th graders were expressing a good deal of anxiety over not knowing the traditional algorithm. So, this is where we started this year. We have used games and multi-colored writing to help us practice and organize our thoughts. It is quite thrilling to see students who were, just last week, terrified of double digit multiplication problems volunteer to show their work on the board this morning (and their work was accurate!).
Later this week and next week we will tackle long division: the traditional way. We are taking time to address these double digit multiplication and long division procedures early on as an addition to our curriculum. I know that the fifth graders will feel confident to tackle the rest of fifth grade math after mastering these two algorithms.
Fifth graders are noticing how quickly stress can turn into confidence when they are implementing efficient problem solving strategies.
