Lesson Plan # 2

  1. (5 min)Mental Math
    Before asking these mental math questions, pass out the multiplication table handout and let the kids look up numbers while you ask them these questions this first time. (Don't let them write anything but the answers on a sheet of paper!)
    1. What is 8 x 7 - 2? [54]
    2. What is 5 x 4 + 3? [23]
    3. What is 7 x 5 - 10? [25]
    4. What is 9 x 5 + 10? [55]
    5. Start with 8 and then add 6 X 5 [38]
    Only let the kids use the table this first time. From here on, they must recall it from memory.

    Note: Just because there are 5 mental math questions above doesn't mean you must use all 5. Use your own discretion.

    Note: When you have a mental math problem that has multiple steps, like all these problems here, it's a good idea to pause after the first operation to give the kids time to do that one in their heads before giving them the second part. For example, in problem 1 say "What is 8 times 7 (pause) minus 2?". Later, you won't have to do this, but to start with, do the pauses.

  2. (5 min) Review of selected problems from Homework # 1 (<= 3 problems)
  3. (10 min) Discussion of Decimal multiplication

    Rules:

    1. Multiply the numbers, ignoring the decimal points.
    2. Add the number of digits to the RIGHT of the decimal point in both numbers.
    3. Put the decimal point in the answer with the right number of digits to the right of the decimal point
    4. DON'T LINE UP THE DECIMAL POINTS!!

    Use these board examples: 
         4.2             42.        .42         42. 
   x 1.1          x .11       x .11       x 11. 
    -----         ------       ----        ---- 


               (Class Interaction: Get students to work 
                some of these problems on the board)
  4. (Remainder of class)In-class exercise

  5. Hand out homework to students as they successfully complete the in-class exercise