Grade Levels: K-3

These family and homeschool activities are designed to complement the Multiplying by 0 or 1 topic on BrainPOP Jr.

Missing

Explore algebraic concepts with your child. Write a multiplication sentence such as 9 x ___ = 0. Then have your child find the missing number. Then write a sentence such as 4 ___ 1 = 4. What’s the missing operation? Next, challenge your child to write a sentence for you to solve. He or she may want to write out the complete number sentence first in pencil and then erase a number or the operation sign. When you solve, you may want to “make a mistake” and have your child explain the correct answer.

Zero Hero

Help your child understand the differences between adding 0, subtracting 0, or multiplying by 0. Provide a variety of number sentences, such as 2 + 0 = __, 2 – 0 = __, and 2 x 0 = __, and have your child solve. You may want to do this together using counters. Consider using small numbers at first so your child can practice adding, subtracting, and multiplying, and then later use four-digit numbers so your child can see how the rule still applies to large numbers.