I taught my kids to multiply numbers using a variety of methods including grids, games (Math War was a favorite) and a musical tape called “Rappin’ with the Facts” (very 90s!)

Then I taught them long division using Saxon Math. At least one of them found it helped to turn a piece of notebook paper sideways to do long division because the lines kept the numbers in the proper columns.

Now that three of my kids are adults, I wonder whether knowing how to multiply and divide large numbers on paper has been helpful to them. (Personally, I don’t use those skills at all since I have a calculator.) I’ll have to ask them if they think it was worth learning those skills.

I assume most homeschooling parents still teach their kids to multiply and divide large numbers on paper. Do you? Why or why not?