This video illustrates how manipulatives can be used to explain the commutative property of addition to students. Understanding that the order in which two numbers are added does not change the result supports basic fact fluency and students’ thinking related to problem solving. For example, when students understand how the commutative property works and if they have mastered a basic fact such as “3 + 1” then they have also mastered the basic fact of “1 + 3.”
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This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain how different combinations of numbers make 10. When students practice putting together and taking apart numbers with manipulatives in different ways they develop a conceptual understanding for composing and decomposing and how numbers are related to one another. Understanding number combinations allows students to develop fluency skills with other operations and assists students with problem solving.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain multiplicative problem structures to students who are just beginning to use multiplication strategies.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain addition using a part-part-whole structure.
This video demonstrates how to use lattice multiplication. Although the lattice multiplication strategy eliminates regrouping while solving the problem, it requires careful construction of the lattice (it needs to be the correct size), correct placement of the numbers (above or below the lattice line), and a solid understanding of place value. The lattice strategy uses place value by partitioning multi-digit numbers into smaller parts and it may not be an efficient strategy for students to use if they do not understand how multiplication works. However, learning this strategy with whole numbers may benefit students as they begin to multiply decimals as lattice multiplication is an efficient tool to use with decimals.
This video demonstrates how to use base-10 blocks to help students solve division problems that cannot be solved with automatic retrieval. The use of direct modeling with concrete manipulatives to demonstrate division allows students to visualize the division of a quantity into equal groups. Students should have multiple opportunities to practice division with manipulatives to develop an understanding of the steps for regrouping and dividing quantities into equal groups. While students may have moved on to traditional algorithms with other operations (e.g., subtraction) they may still require the use of concrete manipulatives with learning division.
This video shows how to use an area model to solve a multi-digit multiplication problem. An area model can serve as a visual representation of the partial products multiplication strategy. Using an area model may be a good option for students who have not yet gained a conceptual understanding of how regrouping works or how the partial products strategy works. The area model method can serve as a visual guide for students until they are ready to use traditional algorithms.
This video demonstrates how to use base-10 blocks to help students solve multiplication problems that cannot be solved with automatic retrieval.
This video demonstrates how to use base-10 blocks and a place value chart to help students subtract multi-digit numbers that require regrouping.
This video illustrates how to use the traditional addition algorithm with regrouping.