June 3, 2025 17:24 S2:E34

Stop Teaching Multiplication the Old Way—Try This Strategy

“3 Math Rules That Never Expire” series, Jonily Zupancic unpacks the timeless power of “Multiplication is Rectangle.” Discover how this one concept—taught with visual models, grid paper, and even scissors—transforms understanding from 1st grade to high school algebra. You’ll hear how multiplication connects to skip counting, area, and even factoring binomials like (x+2)(x+3)(x+2)(x+3)(x+2)(x+3). Whether you're teaching 7×8 or 27×18, you'll learn how to make math visual, conceptual, and unforgettable.

🎧 Tune in for:
• Why expired math rules fail students
• How to teach multiplication through arrays and connector boxes
• When and how to introduce fractional and algebraic rectangles
• A preview of Cycle A in the "Rules That Never Expire" strategy

Download Cycle A here: https://disabilitylabs.com/43857/files/683e3aae9b9a6_1748908718_intro-multiplication-cycles-notes.pdf

NOTE: You must log into DisabilityLabs.com to gain access.

While you are there, join out 3d community. https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1

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BOOKS

Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K

Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd

On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7

Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.

Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2024.

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TIME CODES

00:00 - Introduction to the Series

01:30 - Why Some Math Rules Don’t Transfer

02:45 - Multiplication is Rectangle: The Timeless Rule

04:00 - Using the Dimension Chart for 7×8

06:00 - Finding the Connector Block (The “Array Number”)

08:30 - Scaling to Two-Digit Multiplication (27×18)

11:30 - Teaching 8 × ½ Using Grid Paper and Scissors

13:30 - Exploring Fractions and Decimals with Rectangles

16:00 - Visualizing Algebra: (x+2)(x+3)

17:09 - Why Multiplication is Rectangle Never Expires

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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029

This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.

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MISSION

Minds on Math, LLC: To provide engaging, high-quality professional development and instructional coaching for teachers to improve student achievement and understanding of mathematics.

Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms.

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FREE RESOURCES

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525

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Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer