Multiplication Activity # 3 LEGOmaniacs have fun building math activities, math blocks

Download the entire book of my activities, which includes the progress chart and other goodies please

In multiplication activity number 3 we further explore concepts in multiplication like the commutative property of multiplication. When putting together a multiplication problem it doesn’t matter which order we put the numbers, 4X8 is the same as 8X4. It makes so much more sense this property is explored in real world with real objects. This powerful concept in multiplication and in addition. We also mention that this property doesn’t work in subtraction or division. Knowing and understanding the commutative principle will show benefits in the understanding of studies of mathematics, and it’s fun. Keep watch and we will keep exploring, see you next time.
Author of Lock Block Logic, John Messerly, presents addition activity number one, from his book. Play with blocks and learn math principles which will help you to see how math works. Research shows children learn best with hands on materials. John taught Math to children in a major inner city school system for ten years. This book was written up in LEGO magazine and USA Today
Everyone can benefit from a better understanding of how math works, the activities will cover Number theory, number patterns, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and geometry.
Much of this book of activities is based upon the work of the famous Developmental Psychologist Jean Piaget.
Children learn from the physical world and then begin to learn abstract concepts like language and reading. Math works the same way. In these activities we begin with the physical or concrete objects, then we express the concept in a semi concrete manner when we draw a picture or 2 dimensional picture of what we did with the physical blocks. Finally we add some abstract, written, comments on our concept. This is a very powerful way to learn. This type of learning model is recommended and yet seldom followed though in a classroom setting.
We are using blocks which are familiar to many children and are found in many homes. Many educational materials particularly those for teaching math like Cuisenaire Rods difficult to come by and relatively expensive, plus they are not toys for playing. Thus LEGO blocks make an excellent material for the task of teaching math in a fun and physical or hands on way. LEGO blocks seem to be extremely well made, they are colorful, and I find them very fun to work with. Some of these blocks are small and should not be used for children under the recommended age.
Homeschooling situations are so much more common now and these activities would be a very nice addition to any home schooling curriculum. Feel free to down load the entire Lock Block Logic book and peruse some of the explanations on these lessons/activities. These activities can be useful for someone very capable in Math, hands on activities can and do lead to better understanding and deeper insights. People who avoid math will also benefit from the simple yet very powerful concepts provided.
Even though math can be done nicely using a calculator, these hands on lessons can understand the math concepts. This is vitally important to using a calculator correctly. One must know what do with number, when to add, subtract and so forth in order to get the right answers with a calculator. Math concept understanding also helps the calculator user to know when the answer is sensible. Use math manipulative to teach math principles. Move thru concrete thru semi concrete, and back to abstract using these activities.