How to Make Multiplication Homework Fun

Starting in second or third grade, children are expected to learn their multiplication tables. Many teachers require students to practice at home. However, just plugging away at boring old flashcards doesn't inspire much fun and learning. Here are some excellent ways to help your child practice memorizing multiplication tables so they can ace that next math quiz.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Play memory. Create your own multiplication memory game that focuses on a certain times table. For this example, we'll use 3's. Choose one color of construction paper, cut 2-inch squares, and write the problem (0 x 3, 1 x 3, 2 x 3, etc.). Choose another color of paper, cut squares and write the answers (0, 3, 6, etc.). Turn all the cards face down and play traditional memory. One their turn, one person must choose a "problem" color and an "answer" color. If it is a match, that person keeps the "points" and tries again. If there is no match, return the squares face down and it becomes the next person's turn. This can be done with each set of times tables.

2. Convert a traditional game. Choose any of your child's favorites, such as "Sorry," "Monopoly," "Chutes and Ladders" or other game with a simple layout. Take post-it notes and write multiplication problems onto the game spaces. Play the game as normal, but whenever someone lands on a math space, they must answer the problem correctly before moving on.

3. Use the Internet. There are dozens of sites dedicated to helping kids improve their math skills and provide fun and creative interactive games. Usually, kids must solve multiplication problems in order to advance the game and when the game is fun enough, they hardly realize they are learning. See the resources below for links to some amazing sites.

4. Memorize musically. There are many clever songs, videos and recodings out there for multiplication tables. Many educators swear by setting facts to music as by far one of the best ways to memorize anything. Try some of the resources listed below to check out some mathematical music and listen or whenever possible.

5. Write it out. The trick is to have more fun than with a plain old paper and pencil. Try bath crayons and have your child write their times tables on the tile. Make jumbo-sized flashcards and have your child "write" out the answer using small candy, peanuts or raisins. Use sidewalk chalk outside for math practice. Or, have the artistic child write out math problems in rainbow markers and decorative swirls. Just a little creativity can make times tables more fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Your child is more likely to learn their multiplication tables with consistent and repetitive practice. Mix up the activities listed here and do one each weekday for their homework. The more they practice, the faster they will get.
• If your child is really struggling with times tables, check with the teacher for any additional worksheets, puzzles or techniques that you can implement at home.