Dear Fourth Grade Families,
Our Focus
We are beginning to work on our multiplication and division unit. In this unit students will
learn how to multiply two digit by two digit numbers and do long division with up to a 4 digit
number by a 1 digit number. Students will be using this information to solve real world problems
involving multiplication and division.
Instructional Approach
This year in 4th grade students will use both alternative methods and the standard
algorithms to multiply and divide. The alternative methods are called partial product and partial
quotient. These methods are taught so that students understand how place value works with
multiplication and division.After students understand the role of place value in multiplication and
division they will learn the standard algorithms for multiplication and division. Students will use
real world problem solving situations to apply multiplication and division in meaningful ways.
Students will understand that multiplication occurs when equal groups are joined. Division
occurs when equal amounts are made into groups. All of these skills will be used to help our 4th
grade mathematicians evaluate problems, plan, solve, represent and justify their thinking.
Vocabulary: ​The chart below shows vocabulary words with a picture representing the words
meaning below . Your child will learn to fluently use the words:
Dividend
Array
Quotient
Divisor
Partial Product &
Window Pane
Factor
Product
Standard
Algorithm
Multiplication
Partial Quotient
Standard Algorithm for Division
Equation
34 x 54 = n
Family Support
Fact Fluency in multiplication is important for success in this unit. The following games build
multiplication fact fluency.To support your 4th grader at home you can do the following activities:
​Games:
● http://www.multiplication.com/games/all-games​ This site has several games for fun
multiplication fact practice for single digit facts.
● http://www.mathplayground.com/multiplication05.html​ This is a game that specifically
works on 2 digit by 2 digit algorithms.
● http://www.mathplayground.com/math_monster_division.html​ This site has a game for
division fact fluency practice.
● http://www.kidsnumbers.com/long-division.php​ This is a long division game for students
to practice division algorithm steps.
Helpful Apps:
● Pure Flashcards is an App that allows students to practice specific multiplication and
division goals.
● QuickMath is an App that allows students to practice against their speed time to make
timed fluency goals.
Strategies Videos:
The following chart has links to videos describing the math strategies being taught.
Partial Product (Multiplication)
https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/4881-mu
ltiply-multi-digit-numbers-using-an-area-mode
l#fndtn-lesson
Standard Algorithm (Multiplication)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD3YsWb
OeA8
Partial Quotient (Division)
http://viewpure.com/qWstA8EZr2w
Standard Algorithm (Division)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD3YsWb
OeA8
Sincerely,
The Fourth Grade Teachers