Make learning multiplication tables more fun
One of the challenges of elementary school math, usually around third grade, is learning the multiplication tables. For numbers 5 and under, it is relatively easy for most children to simply add the last result as they learn their multiplication tables. The addition trick when reciting the multiplication tables becomes a bit more challenging when the child gets to the multiplication tables for 6, 7, 8, and 9. So, even when he or she can recite the multiplication tables in order, can the child really answer the question? , “what is seven times eight?” quickly. Success in being able to multiply quickly becomes critical in the later grades as the child multiplies three and four digit numbers and then learns to divide and uses the same knowledge and processes in reverse. So what can you do to speed up your child’s multiplication skills and reinforce their knowledge of the multiplication tables?
One idea I used with my own son was to find a set of twelve-sided dice (or make your own with four regular dice, simply adding extra points to two of them and rolling a 12-point set at a time). We played competitively, rolling one twelve-sided die and then the other, and giving the product of the two numbers rolled as quickly as possible. His goal was to turn around fast enough to earn me the answer. Other times, he played a solo version with a timer where he had to be able to make a certain number of pitches and answer them all in a minute while I kept track of his responses.
For parents who don’t have time, there are several children’s software programs that effectively incorporate the same types of multiplication games to speed up a child’s calculation skills. If you want to make sure your child has the math skills and speed to do well later in algebra and more advanced math, add games that reinforce math skills in a fun way to your curriculum. This is especially important for kids who aren’t big fans of math textbooks. Have at least one math learning day per week so your child experiences math as something fun and not as tedious problems to be solved.
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