Materials Needed:
- Construction paper (various colors)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or colored pencils
- Rulers (optional for neat lines)
Step 1: Review Multiplication Strategies
Before diving into the craft, ensure your students have a solid grasp of the different multiplication methods. Here’s a quick recap of the strategies:
Distributive Property: Break down one of the factors to make the multiplication easier. For example, 12 × 3 can be split into (10 × 3) + (2 × 3)
12 x 3(10 × 3) + (2 × 3)30 + 636Arrays/Box Method: Use a visual representation where numbers are broken into their place values, and the partial products are calculated inside a grid or box. For example, multiplying 23 × 7 can be represented as a 2x2 grid for 20 and 3.
Partial Products: Break the multiplication into parts by multiplying each digit of the numbers, then adding the partial results. For instance, with 34 × 6, multiply 30 × 6 and 4 × 6, then add the products.
Standard Algorithm: The traditional method where you multiply the digits starting from the ones place, carrying over as necessary, and then adding the products.
Step 2: Introduce the Haunted House Craft
Explain to students that they will be creating a haunted house where the same multiplication problem is solved in four different ways. The multiplication problem itself will be written on the roof, and each window will display one of the methods of solving it.
Step 3: Building the Haunted House
Cut Out the Shapes: Students will start by cutting out a large square (or rectangle) for the base of the haunted house. Then, they will cut a trapezoid for the roof, which will hold the multiplication problem.
Add Windows: Students should cut out four smaller squares or rectangles for the windows of the house. Each window will be used to display one of the four methods of solving the multiplication problem. Students could also make the windows "open" by creating a folded window.
Step 4: Solving the Multiplication Problem in Different Ways
Each student will choose a multiplication problem to solve. For example, let’s use 12 × 5. Students will solve this problem in the following ways, writing each solution on a different window:
- Window 1: Distributive Property (e.g., 10 × 5 + 2 × 5).
- Window 2: Box Method (drawing the box and splitting numbers by place value).
- Window 3: Partial Products (breaking down the multiplication step by step).
- Window 4: Standard Algorithm (solving it the traditional way).
Encourage students to decorate the windows to match the "haunted house" theme—perhaps using spooky borders or eerie designs.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
Glue the Pieces: Once students have completed the windows with their different methods, they will glue the trapezoid (roof) on top of the square base and attach the windows underneath the roof.
Personalize: Students can decorate the house to look haunted, using construction paper or markers to add features like spooky trees, ghosts, or bats.
Step 6: Parent Night Display
Once all the haunted houses are completed, display them around the classroom or on bulletin boards for Parent Night. Each house will showcase how students can approach the same problem in multiple ways, illustrating their deep understanding of multiplication.
Why This Activity Works:
Differentiation: This activity caters to different learning styles, as students practice multiple ways of solving multiplication problems.
Creativity: It taps into students’ creative side, making math more engaging and memorable.
Visual Learning: The haunted house craft provides a visual representation of abstract math concepts, which can be especially helpful for students who benefit from seeing math in different forms.
Parent Engagement: The final product is a fun, thematic display that parents will love to see during Parent Night, giving them a glimpse into what their child has been learning.
Final Thoughts:
Multiplication doesn't have to be monotonous. With this Haunted House Multiplication Craft, your students can practice key math skills in a fun, hands-on way while showing off their work in an impressive display. This activity not only reinforces important multiplication strategies but also encourages creativity, making it the perfect blend of education and fun!