Area Multiplication: A Step-by-Step Approach to Success!

Designed to ensure ANYONE can confidently multiply large numbers!Every year, I work with 6th grade students who struggle with multiplication because they haven’t yet mastered their multiplication facts. Without this foundational skill, they find it difficult to meet Common Core standards for multiplication and division. To bridge this gap, I developed Area Multiplication—a structured strategy that students can use until they fully learn their multiplication facts.What is Area Multiplication?This method builds on skip counting (which I call “counting by the numbers” in my videos) to help students understand multiplication in a visual and intuitive way. The first chapter of this book introduces my step-by-step strategy, with each problem linked to a tutorial video. The second chapter focuses on drilling these strategies to reinforce understanding, with each page featuring four practice problems, each linked to its own video tutorial.

See It in Action!

Check out my free video tutorials on YouTube! Click on the playlist tab to search by educational strand and explore tons of free math lessons. My math books include similar video tutorials, ensuring students get guided, step-by-step instruction with every problem.

A Cyclical Learning ApproachThis series follows a scaffolded, cyclical learning method, where concepts are:

✅ Introduced in a guided lesson

✅ Reinforced through practice

✅ Revisited multiple times at increasing levels of difficultyThe series progresses through five levels, ensuring that students gradually build confidence and fluency.

How This Book Supports Learning

Scaffolded Instruction

“WATCH ME” – Students begin by watching a demonstration video, copying the problem into their notebooks or onto a separate paper they keep in a portfolio.

“WORK WITH ME” – Next, students practice alongside me, following the steps in a guided video lesson.

“ON YOUR OWN” – Finally, students attempt problems independently. After completing each problem, they watch the video solution, where I remind them:

"Do NOT worry if you make a mistake. Simply pause the video and fix it. That is the fastest way to learn!"This approach promotes independence and deepens understanding of multiplication.Who Can Benefit from This Series?

Intervention for Struggling Students – Designed for students who haven’t mastered multiplication facts or struggle with multiplying large numbers. My students have had AMAZING results! They start with Book 1 and progress independently through the series until they reach grade-level proficiency.

Differentiation – With five tutorial videos per chapter, every student can work at their own pace and level.

Challenge Extensions – Perfect for students who are ready for advanced problem-solving.

Alternative Strategies – Helps students at grade level discover new ways to approach multiplication.

Extra Support & Reinforcement – Ideal for students who need more practice or benefit from repeated exposure to concepts.

How to Use This Book

Upload the PDF into your Google Classroom.

Have students solve each problem and then self-correct while watching the video tutorials.

When reviewing their work, use positive reinforcement such as:

✅ “FANTASTIC!”

✅ “You are Awesome!”

✅ “Superb Work, My Friend!”