Area Model for Multiplication Worksheets | 1-by-2, 1-by-3, 2-by-2, and Beyond

The area model for multiplication is a model where the factors are the side lengths of the rectangle, and the product is the area.

This model helps students build their understanding of multiplication and is an effective way to transition to multi-digit multiplication. If you plan to teach the traditional algorithm, the area model can be an excellent way to begin, ensuring that understanding is built along the way.

This extensive resource helps students progress from beginning to advanced understanding of the area model.

Here’s what’s included:

Introductory Activities: Activities to activate prior knowledge of area and decomposing a rectangle into smaller parts.

(2 pages)

1-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: Activities to transition students from an area model with gridlines to a rectangle with side lengths labelled. Students will practice using the expanded form to label the sides. They will also work on using estimation strategies to estimate the product.

(8 pages)

1-Digit by 3-Digit Multiplication: Now that students have learned 1 by 2-digit multiplication, they’ll see that it’s the same process to multiply a 1-digit number by a 3-digit number.

(7 pages)

2-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: Now students will transition to 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication by expanding both factors. Students are scaffolded through this process.

(7 pages)

Extending Past 2-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication: In this wind-up section, students will understand that this process can be used to multiply factors with any number of digits. They will also compare the area model to other strategies, allowing them to form new connections.

(2 pages)

Please see the free preview for more details, and this post on my website for more information about the area model:

https://shelleygrayteaching.com/multiplication-area-model/