The worksheet titled "Scaffolded Multiplication With Multiple Digits" gives students practice completing multiplication problems while keeping their answers aligned.

Each page starts with simpler multi-digit multiplication problems where one multi-digit number is multiplied by a single-digit number. Each digit in the problem is surrounded by a dashed box, and every digit in the answer has a blank dashed box, so students can keep the numbers lined up properly.

Problems later on the worksheet get more difficult because they include two-digit by two-digit multiplication problems. They feature the same dashed boxes, but the ones-digit boxes are shaded light brown and the tens-digit boxes are shaded a darker brown. Shaded boxes are also included at the top where students can write any numbers that they have to carry. The first problem is already completed, so students can work through the problem and see the answer before completing the following problems on their own.

Multi-digit multiplication problems that contain two-digit by two-digit numbers help students prepare for more advanced mathematical concepts. It also encourages problem-solving, perseverance, and organization. You can help students tackle two-digit by two-digit multiplication problems with less frustration and more confidence by providing them with a scaffold for finding the answer.

Have students practice multi-digit by one-digit multiplication problems, like 35x4 and 30,612x8. Include squares around each digit in the problem and around each blank space where a digit will go in the answer. As students get used to solving problems with a scaffold, introduce two-digit by two-digit problems. You can further help students by shading boxes that relate to the ones-digits in a different color than the boxes that relate to the tens-digits. This helps students see that they're actually finding two different answers and combining them to find the final answer, highlighting the importance of making sure each digit is placed precisely.