How to Teach Third Grade Multiplication
Multiplication is one of the most important math units a student must learn. Children need to know how to multiply before learning advanced math such as division or algebra. Showing third graders how to multiply is a long process but can also be a fun and satisfying activity. If you are ready to begin teaching your third grade students multiplication, you should know the steps to ensure they get the most out of the learning experience.
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Instructions
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Give your students a copy of the multiplication table. A printable version is available at math2.org. Let your students know that you will be focusing on one row of the table at a time. Send a letter home to your third graders' parents to inform them about your multiplication unit.
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Teach students each table through a fun activity. For example, when you're teaching the two times table, distribute a bag of jelly beans and a napkin to each student. Write a multiplication problem on the board such as 2x3 and ask the students to solve the problem using the candy. Walk around the classroom and view each students' work. If a student doesn't have the correct answer, show her how to find the solution to the problem. At the end of the lesson, let students eat the snack.
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Divide your third grade students into groups. Give each group a set of multiplication flashcards with the answers listed on the back of the cards. You can purchase flashcards in stores or make your own using index cards and markers. Let students take turns quizzing each other. Ask your students to return to their seats halfway through the math lesson and have a class multiplication game. Hold up a flashcard and give a prize to the first student who raises his hand and answers the problem correctly. Award prizes such as pencils and erasers.
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Test your students often. Pop quizzes and weekly tests on the times tables are an excellent way to determine if a student needs additional help learning multiplication. If it seems like several of your third grade students are having trouble with a specific part of multiplication, review the lesson in class. Never assume that a student will eventually learn how to multiply. Encourage all of your students to interrupt lessons with any question or let you know when they don't understand a multiplication problem.
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