Multiples for 4th Grade- Video Lessons
What Are Multiples? A Quick Recap
Multiples are what you get when you multiply a number by whole numbers. Simple as that. The multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and so on — basically skip counting by that number.
Your 4th grader needs to understand this before they can tackle least common multiples (LCM), greatest common factors (GCF), or fraction operations later on. It's not optional knowledge. It's foundational.
Why 4th Grade Is the Right Time
Most kids encounter multiples around 3rd or 4th grade. By 4th grade, they've got multiplication facts down (or they should). Now you're building on that foundation.
If your kid doesn't nail multiples now, they'll struggle with:
- Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
- Finding common denominators
- Word problems involving repeated intervals
- Later algebra concepts
So yeah, it matters. Don't let this unit slide.
What to Look for in a Multiples Video Lesson
Not all math videos are created equal. Here's what separates the useful ones from the garbage:
Clear, Unhurried Explanations
The instructor should define multiples before jumping into examples. If they start with "3, 6, 9, 12 — those are multiples of 3" without explaining why, your kid won't actually learn. They'll just memorize a pattern.
Visual Representations
Number lines and arrays help. A lot. Look for videos that show multiples as jumps on a number line or groups of objects. This builds number sense, not just rote memory.
Multiple Examples, Not Just One
One example isn't enough. Your kid needs to see the concept applied to different base numbers — multiples of 5, multiples of 7, multiples of 12. Good videos cycle through at least 3-4 examples.
Some Practice Problems
The best video lessons include "your turn" moments where the video pauses and your kid solves something. Passive watching only gets you so far. Active engagement seals the learning.
Quick Reference: Multiples of Common Numbers
Here's a table your kid can reference while practicing. Print it out if you need to.
| Number | First 10 Multiples |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 |
| 3 | 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 |
| 4 | 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 |
| 5 | 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 |
| 6 | 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60 |
| 7 | 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70 |
| 8 | 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80 |
| 9 | 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90 |
| 10 | 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 |
Multiples vs. Factors — Kids Confuse These
Your kid will mix these up. It's normal. Here's the blunt difference:
- Multiples = what you get by multiplying (going up, getting bigger)
- Factors = what you multiply together to get a number (going down, getting smaller)
The multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24...
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, 6.
Get this distinction wrong and everything involving fractions falls apart. Drill it until it's automatic.
How to Get Started with Video Lessons
Here's a simple routine that works:
Step 1: Watch One Video Per Concept
Find a video that covers "what are multiples" from scratch. Watch it together the first time. Pause when they ask questions. Rewind if your kid looks lost.
Step 2: Pause and Practice
When the video gives a practice problem, pause it. Let your kid solve it without hints. Then resume to check. This active approach beats passive watching every time.
Step 3: Fill in the Blanks
After the video, give your kid a few numbers and ask them to list the first 5 multiples. Start with easy numbers (2, 5, 10) before moving to harder ones (7, 12).
Step 4: Mix in the Next Day
Don't stop after one video. Review the concept the next day. Ask random questions like "what's the 8th multiple of 3?" until they can answer quickly.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
These trip up most 4th graders:
- Confusing multiples with factors — see above. This is the big one.
- Skipping zero — technically 0 is a multiple of every number, but kids often forget it.
- Stopping too early — kids list 2 or 3 multiples when asked and think they're done. Remind them "list the first 6" means 6 numbers.
- Thinking multiples only go up to 100 — multiples are infinite. Drill this in early.
When to Move On
Your kid is ready to move past basic multiples when they can:
- List the first 10 multiples of any single-digit number without hesitation
- Spot common multiples between two numbers quickly
- Explain the difference between multiples and factors in their own words
If they can't do those three things, don't rush forward. This unit is the bedrock. Everything else builds on it.
The Bottom Line
Video lessons work for multiples, but only if your kid is actively engaging — not just staring at the screen. Pick videos with clear definitions, visual examples, and practice problems. Use the table above as a reference tool. Drill the multiples vs. factors distinction until it's automatic.
Skip this, and you're setting up your kid for pain in 5th and 6th grade math. Do it right now, and you'll save yourself (and them) a lot of headaches later.