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Step 1
Teach the easy times tables first. This would be the 1 times tables and the 10 times tables. Learning 1 times tables is as simple as counting, and it does not take long for a child to understand that 1 times any number is 1. Likewise the 10 times tables are easy also as all you have to do is add a 0 to the number that is being multiplied by 10. Take a couple of days to do worksheets on the easy times tables before moving on to the next group.
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Step 2
Teach skip counting. Children can learn to skip count quite easily for key multiplication tables. 2, 3 and 5 times table are pretty easy for children to learn. I like to use songs to teach these, such as the songs from School House Rock. They are quite catchy and easy to memorize.
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Step 3
Teach them logic. I like to teach 4, 6 and 8 times tables using logic. I make up a cheat sheet for the children that they can use while practicing these times tables. The rules that go on the cheat sheet are: “For 4 times tables, you Double-Double the number.” For example, for 4 X 7 you would think 7 doubled is 14, double it again and you have 28. “For 6 times tables, you Triple-Double the number.” For example, for 6 X 7 you would think, triple 7 is 21, double that is 42. “For 8 times tables, you Double-Double-Double then number. For example, for 8 times 7 you think, double 7 is 14, double it again and you have 28, double it again and you have 56. I let them practice these for several weeks before moving on. Before long, this logic becomes ingrained and they can work it out quickly.
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Step 4
Teach them hand tricks. This works best for the 9 times tables, but there are others as well that you can find online. Try this: Hold up your hands in front of your face. Now work out 3 X 9. With both hands facing you, fold down third finger counting left to right. What you will have are 2 fingers before the folded down finger, and 7 fingers after. 3 X 9 is 27. This trick works every time.
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Step 5
Have them flip it over. If they cannot figure out 7 X 2 quickly, they will be able to figure out 2 X 7. Always have them look for the easier number in the problem and solve the problem using the rules for that number.
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Step 6
Have them memorize the remaining times table using a rhyme. If you followed all the rules on this list, you will find the only problem you cannot solve is 7 X 7. Use this rhyme, "Kevin swung to heaven on a vine, 7 times 7 is 49!"
