Multiplication with Single Blocks

Practicing multiplication with single blocks is important because it gives students a very literal understanding of multiplication. Students can literally choose to count their blocks to get the answer. They can also choose to pack their blocks to aid them in finding the answer.

	Using the array mat, students can set up the multiplication problem. Here we have the problem 12 * 3.
	Students can find the answer to the question by counting the blocks one at a time. One of the advantages of the array mat is that students count the blocks, not something more abstract like squares of area.
	To make the counting easier, students can place the blocks on the number line.
	Or they can pack the blocks and find the digits.
	Another strength of the array mat is that it allows the students to do larger multiplication problems in the counting view. Here we have 16 * 12.
	If the student packs the blocks, the student will find the answer, 192.
	The array mat also allows students to clearly see the partial products of a multiplication problem. Here we see 16 * 12 as 6 * 2 + 6 * 10 + 10 * 2 + 10 * 10 = 192.