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=return to 3rd grade math standard NS 2.3= =Multiplication Games for Kids: Teaching the Distributive Property=

May 29, 2010 [|Mark Giffen]  Array Cards, Front and Back - //Mark Giffen//   In this interactive math game, children discover the distributive property as they practice multiplication with array cards. This math game makes learning multiplication fun and easy. "Small Array/Big Array" uses [|array cards] to teach the distributive property of multiplication in a concrete way that children can see and understand. Originally developed by TERC, an educational research group, the game reinforces basic multiplication facts while challenging kids to think at a higher level.

Teaching the Distributive Property Through Play
"Small Array/Big Array" is a game for two players. It requires a certain level of cooperation, but also involves some friendly competition. Each pair of players will need a deck of array cards, some paper and a pencil.


 * 1) Deal out 10 cards to each player. Place six cards in the center of the table, array side up. Keep the remaining cards in a deck.
 * 2) Spread out your cards in front of you with the array sides showing. Take turns trying to match two or more smaller arrays that will exactly cover a bigger array. For example, a 3x4 card and a 2x4 card placed together would exactly cover a 5x4 card.
 * 3) If you can't make a complete match straight away, you may begin with a partial match. For example, a 2x4 card can partially cover a 5x4 card.
 * 4) Whenever you complete a match, collect it. You may also complete any match started by your partner.
 * 5) In making a match, you may use any cards from your own hand or from the center of the table. If none of those cards work, take a card from the top of the deck.
 * 6) When you use a card from the center of the table, replace it with a card from your own hand or from the deck, so that there are always six cards in the center. When you run out of cards in your hand, take four more cards from the deck.
 * 7) When you are unable to make even a partial match, it is the next player's turn.
 * 8) Players collect as many matches as they can. The game continues until no more matches can be made.

Tips for Reinforcing Math Skills
There is no need to teach the distributive property beforehand. Let children discover it for themselves by playing the game. Once they have achieved a concrete level of understanding, then they will be ready to discuss it on a more abstract level. As they play Small Array/Big Array, children work together to make a list of number sentences that describe the matches they have made. In the example described above, a possible number sentence would be "5 x 4 = (2 x 4) + (3 x 4)," which can be simplified as "20 = 8 + 12." This is a good opportunity to discuss the use of parentheses to clarify the order of operations.

Read on
Show students how they can use the distributive property to break difficult factor pairs into smaller, more manageable pairs. For example, give them a number sentence like "9 x 8 = ?" and challenge them to find easier combinations like "(9 x 4) + (9 x 4)." Knowing how to break larger problems into smaller ones will be an important skill as students progress to more complex computation problems, such as [|2-digit multiplication]. A good understanding of the distributive property will serve them well.
 * [|Multiplication for Kids: Array Card Math Games]
 * [|2-Digit Multiplication for Kids: Cluster Problems]
 * [|Teaching Math to Children Using Dice Games]

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