Multiplication is my favorite operation and if that’s not nerdy I don’t know what is! Multiplication is my favorite so it makes sense that Multiplication for 5th Grade would be my favorite unit to teach!
When I taught 3rd grade I felt the same way, getting to start students off on their learning of all things multiplication. Somewhere between the excitement of learning the times’ symbol to 5th grade, students lose that excitement. And multiplication for 5th grade can be tricky (looking at you multiplying fractions and decimals!) so I get it!
But multiplication is so important in the middle school and high school world that we need to help students see the purpose and excitement in learning how to multiply. So I’m sharing all my tips for how to make multiplication for 5th grade fun!
Games with Multiplication Facts
I’m starting off this list with the basics which are honestly where we should start with our students anyway! I play games with multiplication facts in my 5th and 6th grade math classroom. Students aren’t too old for a little fact practice and honestly, it will help them so much when we get to more intense topics like long division with a remainder. That multiplication fact foundation comes to play and it really trips up students who don’t have that strong math fact background.
One of my favorite games with multiplication facts is Tic Tac Toe! IT’s simple to learn and students are able to practice correctly because it is self-checking! Double win! My students always get super competitive with Tic Tac Toe so it’s a hit year-round! The best part (for me) about Tic Tac Toe is that it requires no prep! Just Print and Go. No really, it’s that simple! If you have an extra 30 seconds then I like to slip mine into a page protector for easy reuse. If you want to check out my games with multiplication facts then check them out here.
5th Grade Multiplication Worksheet Games
Now that we covered multiplication facts, let’s get to teaching how to multiply a whole number! Multiplication for 5th grade is all about the standard algorithm. And while the algorithm has a lot of steps, the concept and concrete learning has been tackled in 4th grade. So now in 5th grade, we can focus on the algorithm. This is one of those math games that students just need to practice over and over again.
Rather than making practice boring, I like to play games in my math learning centers. Tic Tac Toe for multi-digit numbers is a perfect option to include. In the same setup as the multiplication facts set, students are solving a problem and then checking the answer with their partner. If it’s correct then they take a turn at Tic Tac Toe. My students get so competitive during a simple game of Tic Tac Toe.
I love using these 5th Grade Multiplication Worksheet Games because the setup is so easy! All I have to do is print and play. I do like to slip my game boards into page protectors so that we can reuse them. But I love that there isn’t any cutting or laminating to do ahead of time! If you want to check out the set of 5th grade multiplication worksheet games then click here.
Curriculum Worksheet for 5th Grade Maths
No round-up of teaching ideas would be complete without some sort of mention of the curriculum. However, the curriculum doesn’t have to be boring or long and drawn out! I prefer a quick and simple layout for any worksheet for 5th grade maths.
The notes sheet in this curriculum is easy to follow with an example problem and written out steps to refer back to. I also love that there are short videos that match the notes pages. This is perfect for a flipped-classroom approach! Ever heard of the flipped classroom? Check out more information about flipped classrooms in this blog post.
The simplicity of the worksheet notes lends itself to using math interactive notebooks or folders. If you want to know more about how I ditched math interactive notebooks then click on this blog post. I share all the pros and cons of using math folders instead!
I also love the math exit tickets included in this curriculum for quick formative checks. This helps me learn more about my students and what skills students need to practice more. This makes creating groups in math learning centers so much easier. If you want to learn more about how I use exit tickets be sure to check out this post.
The last worksheet for 5th grade maths that I love from this curriculum is the homework practice. I don’t give homework in my classroom BUT I still want my students to practice regularly in class. These homework worksheets are perfect for giving a little practice without assigning a crazy amount of problems. I usually use them as extra practice or for my small group teacher table during math learning centers. If you want to read up on how I run math centers in my 5th grade classroom then be sure to check out this blog post.
4 in a Row: Worksheets on Multiplication for Grade 5
Another math game? Of course! I’m the self-proclaimed queen of low prep math games for centers or stations. These games are similar to Tic Tac Toe but with a little more strategy on the game side. 4 in Row is a perfect addition to provide mixed practice on different 2, 3, and 4 digit numbers. The game is still self-checking so that partners are relying on each other to play the game. The self-checking aspect also helps students be more self-sufficient which is a necessary life skill I like to include in my classroom 🙂
If you want to check out more 4 in a Row games then check out this link.
Math Games Grade 5
I couldn’t let the chance to help you plan out more than just your multiplication for 5th grade unit! This bundle is jam-packed with every activity I have made for 5th grade math. My favorite activities in the bundle specific to multiplication include the following:
Learning labs
Learning labs allow students to explore a math concept and build the multiplication algorithm. These labs are best done before explicitly teaching the algorithm so that students have a more concrete understanding and will be able to justify their reasoning within the algorithm or model. I love the hands-on learning aspect and it really helps bridge the gap between the concrete and the algorithm. Such an important concept in multiplication for 5th grade.
Round table activities
Round table activities help students practice the multiplication algorithm step by step while working with partners or in small groups. This is perfect for having students check their work too!
Students solve a problem starting with the first step. Once they finish 1 step, they pass their papers in a circle (like a round table) and then solve the 2nd step on a new problem. They keep trading papers until all of the problems are answered and checked. This is way more fun for students than a simple worksheet for grade 5 maths.
Choice Board Templates & Prompts
I love using choice board templates in my classroom, especially for math! These are great for fast finishers, extension stations, or even for homework to get families involved. If you want to learn more about how I use choice board templates be sure to check out this blog post.
Digital Task Cards
While I think we are (finally) past the fully digitally learning era, technology doesn’t have to be thrown out the window! I like to use digital task cards during math learning centers but they also make a fast practice lesson or emergency sub plan option. Digital task cards are even better when they are self-checking!
Want to learn more about using technology in the math classroom? This blog post has so many tips on how to use technology the right way in the classroom.
Looking for other multiplication for 5th grade tips?
These blog posts are full of even more ideas for multiplication for 5th grade. Be sure to check them out to learn more and make your unit even more exciting and engaging for students!
- Multiplying Whole Numbers: Ideas for 4th and 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math: Important Math Skills for 5th Graders
- Multiplication Strategies for 4th and 5th Grade
- Multiplication Facts that Stick: How to Teach the Times Tables
- Tips for Teaching Multiplication Facts
- A Suggested Order for Teaching the Basic Multiplication Facts
I’d love to hear from you! How do you make multiplication for 5th grade fun? Drop a comment below!
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