Grade 4 · Mathematics · 25 minutes

Multi-digit multiplication

Break 23 into 20 + 3 and 14 into 10 + 4. An area model separates place values.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-4-multi-digit-multiplication

Learning objective

Explain and practice multi-digit multiplication using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.

Gather your materials

Paper and pencil
Counters, blocks or paper pieces
A ruler, clock model or grid when named in the steps

Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.

Common Core skill focus

4.NBT.B.5

Explain whole-number multiplication with place-value strategies and visual models.

Read the official standard ↗

Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.

Teach it step by step

Break 23 into 20 + 3 and 14 into 10 + 4.
Draw a rectangle with those side partitions.
Find each of the four partial products.
Add them and relate the model to place value.

Watch, notice, discuss

Video choices for this lesson

2 choices

Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.

Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.

OPTION 1 · YOUTUBE

Multiplying Using An Area Model | Educational Kids Math Video

By Doodles and Digits | Educational Math Videos

Connect this video to the lesson on multi-digit multiplication. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: Multiplying Using An Area Model | Educational Kids Math Video (opens a new tab) ↗

OPTION 2 · YOUTUBE

4th Grade Mathematics - Lesson 3: Multi-digit multiplication using the Area Array Model

By The Caffeinated Teacher

Connect this video to the lesson on multi-digit multiplication. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: 4th Grade Mathematics - Lesson 3: Multi-digit multiplication using the Area Array Model (opens a new tab) ↗

After watching

Use an area model to explain a multi-digit product. Connect the partial products to place value.

An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.

Make the thinking visible

Example to work through together

23 × 14 = 200 + 80 + 30 + 12 = 322. Every part of one factor multiplies every part of the other.

Try the starter activity

Model 23 × 14 as (20 + 3) × (10 + 4).

Student practice

Use an area model for 32 × 12 and label every partial product.

Quick check for understanding

Find the product.

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: 200 + 80 + 30 + 12 = 322.

Listen or look for: 300 + 60 + 20 + 4 = 384.

Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.