Multiplication and Division (2) - Formal multiplication 2-digits by 2-digits - Planning

The Year 5 curriculum on multiplication and division takes students through a detailed exploration of formal multiplication methods, specifically focusing on multiplying two-digit numbers by two-digit numbers. The lesson's objective aligns with the National Curriculum, which requires pupils to multiply numbers up to four digits by a one- or two-digit number using a formal written method, including long multiplication for two-digit numbers. Students are introduced to key terms such as 'multiplication', 'product', and 'exchange', and are encouraged to use resources like worksheets and presentations to aid their understanding. The lesson begins with a recap of using the area model for multiplication, setting the stage for the transition to more formal written methods. In the first activity, the teacher demonstrates the column method by partitioning the multiplier and multiplying individual digits, highlighting the importance of place value and the role of zero as a placeholder. Partner discussions and practice calculations help reinforce the concept.

Further activities involve children completing missing parts of given calculations and applying the method to new problems. They are supported by annotated examples and group work, where they can share strategies and answers. The lesson is structured to accommodate different levels of understanding, with differentiated worksheets for fluency and reasoning, allowing children to progress from completing simple calculations to tackling larger numbers independently. The plenary session includes a 'Give me five' reflective activity that prompts students to consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and the areas they found challenging. This approach ensures that students understand the significance of the zero as a placeholder and can confidently apply the formal multiplication method to a range of problems, preparing them for more complex mathematical challenges.