Last updated on January 24th, 2021 at 05:18 pm .
A third-grade kid is smart enough to understand a lot of things, be it from the academic point of view or the extra-curricular activities, they know how to excel it all. However, one subject which usually is hated by almost every other child is Math. They just do not get those confusing concepts of how things go or how to practically look into everything. Even if they show some interest in math, their interest is shaken by two major concepts of the subject, Multiplication, and Division. This blog is only going to focus on how multiplication is going to be taught by Lego to third graders.
Multiplication is a tough job, not only for the kids but for the parents to explain as well. The addition of numbers in a different way is challenging to little minds. However, it is what it is and they have to learn it. However, as parents, it is your responsibility to build their interest and ignite their passion for the subject. There are of course many ways you would have thought of improving your child’s multiplication skills but today you are going to learn something different and you need to promise that you will carry forward it to your child.
We are studying with Lego today. I remember my mom teaching me the techniques and trust me they are still with me. Though this article is a little improvised version of the old school strategies, you are still going to have a fun time reading and understanding it. Are you ready for the interesting LEGO multiplication ride? We are going to be discussing about 7 different ways of multiplication with LEGO.
Table of Contents
Start by Learning the Numbers
The first step to multiplication is to know numbers accurately. We know you must be thinking your child is in 3rd grade, he/she already know numbers. Honestly, we are glad that your child knows numbers but what we mean here is to teach your kid numbers on the Lego blocks. Write each number and make him/her read those out loud. Also, you can play activities like fill in the blanks by leaving alternative boxes empty for your child to fill. This way they will be familiar with numbers and blocks of Lego and the next processes will be easy for them to understand.
Multiplying Groups of Equals
You have to remember that your child’s mind is almost nascent right now. They need to take little steps in order to do big things tomorrow. Therefore, we would suggest you to start teaching multiplication with equal groups. For instance, you need to teach them what is 4 into 4? This is a simple question. All you have to do is pick up four blocks of four and tell them to count the total number of studs on them. They will count and your answer will be 16. You can do the same with any other set of numbers. Or in fact, what else you can do is to tell them to simply add four studs of each block such as 4 + 4+ 4 + 4 = ? If you teach them the concept by affiliating with addition, things will be even easier for your child to learn.
Multiplying with Rows and Columns
We are a step ahead in the game now. Once your child masters in equal blocks, you need to start by making arrays. This means you will introduce the concept of rows and columns to your child. Give them a set of blocks and ask them to create different rows and columns first. (Note: A row is the horizontal alignment of things and a column is a vertical alignment). Once they arrange the blocks, ask them to multiply the total number of blocks in a row with the column. For instance, the row has 10 blocks and the column has 8. Ask them to count 10 for 8 times. Such as 10 x 8 = 80.
Multiplying with Area Model
We are a level in the game now. Here is the tricky round. It is now time to do multiplication with the area model. It is more or less similar to the rows and column thing. However, the word rows and columns have been replaced with width and length. You are an individual Lego brick here to calculate its total size. For instance, the width of your Lego brick is 2 inches and the breath of it is 4 inches. Ask your child to multiple four for two times. Such as 4 x 2 = ? Then ask them to do addition again, that is two blocks of four studs or four blocks of two studs, and make them count the studs. The final answer will be 4 x 2 = 8.
Learn Multiplication with Skip Counting
Skip counting is one of the most effective ways to teach multiplication tactics to your child in the fastest possible way. What you need to do is, first of all, write the skip numbers on each block for a particular number. Such as for the table of ten, you will have to write the numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 on ten different blocks and then ask your child to align them according to the number that comes earlier in the counting. This way they will know what are the instant values for the table of 10. You can repeat the trick with multiple other numbers and teach them tables instantly. However, starting with ten is preferable.
Multiple by Rolling the Dice
One more creative and interesting trick is to learn multiplication by rolling the dice and taking notes on the numbers the dice shows. Ask them to roll the dice once, note the number, and then roll it again, note this number as well, and then multiply these two by taking the Lego blocks. For instance, you roll the dice one and you get the number 2, you roll it again and get number 3. Now the equation will be 2 x 3 = ? Now, you will have to take three blocks of two studs or two blocks of three studs and count their overall total number. The equation will now look like 2 x 3 = 6 or 3 x 2 = 6. Either way, you will get the same answer.
Multiply Random Bricks
The last most interesting trick is to multiply random bricks. Ask your child to pick any two bricks they like and then ask them to multiply them together. For instance, if they choose the block of 4 and the block of 8. Ask them to add four right times. The equation of this will look like 4 x 8 = 32. This is one of the most interesting and mindful tricks.
Concluding Words
This is how simple the tricks are. All you have to is stay focused on the strategies and make sure you understand them clearly before you opt for teaching these to your child. These methods will help them understand multiplication in a more detailed and creative way. Your child is surely going to love these.
Do educational games improve science skills as well?
Yes, when your child comes in contact with the games, they learn science as well.
Can I teach division to my child through Lego?
Yes, you can do it in a similar way as multiplication but just with some different tricks.
What is the benefit of Lego for my child’s cognitive development?
Your child will learn how to make decisions on their own. They will get better at analyzing and examining situations easily.