How to Teach Multiplication

Basic math calculations, learned in the elementary grades, provide the foundation for a lifelong understanding of math and its tenets. Students master the multiplication tables before they enter middle school, but the benefits of committing them to memory last a lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Flash cards
• Patience and an encouraging attitude

1. Teach children that multiplication is simply a shortcut to repeated number addition. 3x3=9, may confuse a child until he learns that the equation really means 3+3+3=9. Use small beads or other objects to illustrate this concept.

2. Demonstrate the concept of multiplying zero. Have a child hold one ball and multiply it by three to illustrate that he has three balls. Then take the balls away so the child’s hands are empty and ask him what he has. When he says, “nothing,” ask him what he will have if he add three more “nothings” to his hands.

3. Use flash cards with the multiplication tables on them for a fun way to reinforce the child’s memory. Flash cards are challenging and each time the child gets one right, set it aside and repeat only the cards he missed. In this way, he can see that he is progressing, even though it may be slow going.

4. 
    

   Ask the child to draw a times table chart once a week during the time when he is studying multiplication. Making times tables accomplishes two things; first, they allow the child to see the relationship between the numbers and their answers and secondly, they use repetition to commit the answers to memory.

5. Keep a cheerful attitude, especially if the child is struggling to memorize the multiplication tables. Take a deep breath and stay positive and encouraging. It takes some children longer than others to learn to multiply .

Tips & Warnings

• Celebrate small successes. Children enjoy learning when they are appreciated for their efforts. Education may be its own reward, but getting an ice cream cone or going to see a movie after achieving an educational milestone helps the child develop a love of learning.
• Don't compare one child's success rate to another's. It turns education into a competition and neither child will benefit.

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[lisalitch]

on 10/21/2008 I am a veteran teacher and use Factivation for Multiplication. It is by far the simplest way for students to learn their facts (& easy for the parent or teacher too!) You can see it at www.factivation.com.