Ask each student to write, and solve, a word problem that requires multiplying two two-digit numbers. Collect the problems and check them for accuracy. Work with any students who need help to correct their word problems. Pass the problems back to their owners. One at a time, a student will read his word problem aloud to the class, and ask them to solve it. He will ask the class for the answer to the problem, and verify the answer. Continue over several days until everyone has an opportunity to read their word problem to the class.
For this activity, each student needs 20 markers, such as chips or pennies. Make 50 flash cards with various two-digit multiplication problems. Prepare a five-square-by-five-square grid on tag board for each student in the class. Write one answer for each of 25 problems, per square. Make each game board unique. One at a time, show the class a flashcard. The students should look for the answer on their game boards. If they have the answer, they should place a marker on that square. The first student to complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line wins the game.
You need 50 flash cards with various two-digit multiplication problems. Divide the class into two or more teams. Hold up a flashcard. The first player of each team will run to the board and solve the problem by rounding both factors. As soon as the first player returns to the team and tags the next player, the second person in line will run up to the board and write the actual problem next to the estimated version. She will solve the problem as quickly as possible, and run back to her team. Check each team's work and award one point each for a correct estimation and correct problem. Continue play as long as you wish. The team with the most points wins. You may wish to award a small prize to the winning team.
For this activity, each group of two students needs a piece of 1/10-inch Cartesian graph paper, two dice, a calculator and two different colored pencils. Divide the class into groups of two. The first player will roll the dice and use the numbers, in either order, as one of the factors of a multiplication problem. He should write the number he chooses on a piece of paper, and roll the dice a second time to get the second factor. After he writes the second factor on the paper, he should do the multiplication. His partner should use the calculator to check their answer. On the graph paper, the player should color in the number of 1/10-inch squares equal to the product of his multiplication problem, using his own color of pencil. Take turns until the graph paper is full, or for as long as you want the students to continue to play.