If your students are like my younger self, multiplying anything beyond one digit sends them into a tail spin--it is like trying to pull teeth from a crying grizzly bear. If that sounds like your room right now, give partial products a try. Partial product multiplication is very similar to the lattice method but avoids the placevalue issues often caused by the criss-crossing diagonal lines. These notes focus on problems where both factors contain a decimal.

Partial products is a great method to use for students who have reached the frustration point with the standard algorithm. Partial products actually uses the exact same steps as the standard algorithm, just in a different "shape". Once students are comfortable with partial products, reintroduce the standard algorithm. Be sure to point out how similar the two are in their processes.

Decimals can be a really frustrating topic for students,  you may find that students benefit from a small change of pace, such as working on their Chromebooks or with manipulatives (check out these free virtual manipulatives!).  If you enjoy this product with your students, please check out my other decimal lessons and activities:

-Decimal Multiplication Guided Notes: Grid Method

-Using Models and Mental Math to Add and Subtract Decimals (bundle)

-Review Multiplying Decimals and Whole Numbers

-Problem Solving with Decimal Multiplication, Independent Work Packet

-Decimal Multiplication Quiz & Review

If you have any questions about this activity/lesson or how to use it (or if you just need a helping hand with getting through decimals!) please feel free to reach out!