Learning Multiplication
Children have long struggled learning the multiplication table. However, parents can help their children by giving them short drills that are aimed at addressing problem areas. The best way to do so is with the use of multiplication flash cards. Used correctly, flash cards will provide children with a digestible set of facts. Parents should continue to review each set of facts until their child has memorized that set.
Flash Cards
- With your child, create a set of flash cards that includes only the equations without the answers (i.e. 2x1, 2x2, etc.).
- Once mastered, work with your child on a set of multiplication facts that contains 2 as a second factor in the equation (i.e. 1x2, 2x2, 3x2).
- In the next session, work with 5. Start with 5 as the first factor (5x1, 5x2, 5x3) and, once mastered, move to 5 as the second factor (1x5, 2x5, 3x5).
- If your child is struggling with the 4x tables, you can teach him/her the "double and then double again" approach. For example: 4x5=20 because double 5 is 10 and double again is 20.
- To help your child with master the 9x tables, teach him/her the "minus 1 approach." For example: 3x9 = 27 because 3-1 is 2 and 9-2 is 7; put them together and you get 27. Similarly, 4x9 = 36 because 4-1 is 3 and 9-3 is 6; put them together and you get 36.
If your child doesn't know the answer, do not provide him or her with it. When the answer is given, a child will not remember it. It is important to teach your child how to find the answer. So help your child reason to it.
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