Multiple Multiplications

There are multiple ways to figure out a multiplication problem.   The problem is finding the one that makes sense to each student.

 This is the way we begin to learn about fractions.  Multiplication with
  Arrays.

We then move on to multiplying one-digit with a two-digit number. This Grid method is only one way to approach this.

There is also the standard method.  This is the way many of us were taught in school.

25
x6

You can also use the Area Method which you will need the Base 10 blocks to use for hands-on learning and a visual to figure the answer.

We will now get into two digits with two digit problems.   With this one can use some of the previous methods or try this: Lattice Method.

Now there is a method I had not heard of until this recently, which is the Russian Peasant Method.

Then we get to algebra and we add the F.O.I.L Method.

 There are so many multiple ways to do multiplication, what are the best to teach?  How many methods in a grade are too many?   One method may work for one student and confuse another.  I had never heard of the Russian Peasant Method before seeing it on youtube recently.  I found it very interesting.   As a future teacher I wonder in my classroom, do I teach multiple ways to solve the problems then let the students pick the one that makes the most sense to them to continue to use? Or, do I teach multiple ways to multiple and require them to use each method for a certain amount of time them test them on it?   I am not sure?  Is it more important for a student to have multiple tools to solve a problem or is it more important for them to choose which tool works best for them out of their options?    The problem is when students are learning to add, we teach a helpful method to use their fingers, then we tell them they have to stop using their fingers and do the math in their head or use a different method.   While with multiplication what if a student finds using multiplication with arrays helpful, they cannot use that method forever because when you get to multiplying bigger numbers it would become too labor intensive to be helpful.   So if we encourage students use a method that works for them, will we be hindering their education because a child may stop using other methods and not want to learn others?    Will giving the option allow students to see that yes, they do have options but chooses to use one verses the other and finds having options a good thing and seek out more ways to solve problems on their own?