Author: ACS

Learning math can be fun...

SUNY Cortand

Teaching Multiplication Facts

SUNY Cortand

Sources:
http://www.multiplication.com/
http://www.time4learning.com/math_facts.htm
http://math.about.com/bltricks.htm
http://www.mathcats.com/grownupcats/ideabankmultiplication.html#introduce

Lauren’s Magical Math Org.

In this brochure you will find techniques, tips and secrets to help children learn multiplication facts...

Becoming a Multiplication Master. . .

Many students find it difficult to learn multiplication facts. Teachers can help these students by introducing fun new ways to learn the facts!
There are many games that you can use to help children learn their facts, such as: Interactive games, Internet games, classroom games as well as, computer games. There are several games that reinforce the basics: Some of this games include: multiplication bingo, flip up buss, around the world, team tag and many more .
Teaching Strategies: Each teacher needs to see what works for them. The website above suggests using rote memory, music, rhyming , pictures and more. It is important to teach math in sequence because it allows children to progressively build understandings, skills and confidence.

Introducing Multiplication:
To introduce multiplication, you need to do it in a good, easy way. Using manipulative is the key and you can never have enough! An introductory multiplication lesson that I find is particularly helpful is using an egg carton and beads. Have each student bring in a egg carton with some type of small objects like beads. Have the students write a problem such as 3 x 4. The children will display this problem using different sections of the egg carton to hold each group. (some teachers find it helpful to tell the students to think of the “x” as “groups of. “ So it would be 3 groups of 4 or 4 groups of three.)
Math can be fun:
Parents, if you want to help out your kids at home with their multiplication math facts you can have a game night using a game called Digitz! Digitz is a portable electronic multiplicand game that is fun. It features five fast-action games that reinforce important multiplication concepts: multiples, multiplication facts, factors, factor pairs and sequencing. Another game you can do at home that is inexpensive is using dice or a spinner. You can multiply the number that you spin.
Another idea would be using a deck of cards for a multiplication war! Children may need a grid at first to become quick at the answers. You flip over the cards fast and the first one to say the fact bases on the cards turned over (a four and a five = say “20”) gets the cards. The person who gets all the cards wins. This game is helpful because children will learn their facts much more quickly when they play this game on a regular basis.
Multiplication grids are very helpful and students can create their own! Once a students has made one they can look at all the patterns . This helps them practice their multiplication facts and check their answers.
The internet is a great resource for finding ways to teach, as well as learn multiplication games. On the back of this brochure are some great websites that provide many more tips and games.