How to Learn Multiplication with Songs
Rhythm and rhyme, in the form of song, are popular learning tools for many subjects. Rhythm and rhyme can assist a student with memorization, a skill that does not come naturally to all students. Memorizing facts, concepts and rules can become tedious and intimidating. Approaching memorization from a creative angle, such as song, may help your students or children enjoy the process of multiplication and simultaneously become better at it.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Review multiplication songs that have already been written by teachers, parents and students. These songs are often displayed on free websites such as Songs for Teaching. You can also purchase multiplication songs recorded over beats of popular rap songs.
-
2
Match multiplication concepts with short lines that rhyme. Rhyme and rhythm will help students memorize the song. For example, in the song "Multiplying by One" on Songs for Teaching, Jack Hartmann writes "Any number multiplied by one/You get that number and you're done."
-
-
3
Use songs with repetition. Hartmann repeats the line in his song "Multiplying by One" a total of eight times. Multiplication Hip Hop for Kids repeats the ones table to a popular beat by rap artist 50 cent. Repeating memorable catch phrases will help the concepts stick.
-
4
Rap or sing the songs aloud with the class or group of children. Make recordings of the song if possible.
-
5
Play back recordings of the song for your students or children. Have them listen to the recording as often as possible, such as while walking the dog or before going to bed.
-
6
Teach your students to write their own multiplication songs. Test the multiplication concepts in their songs for accuracy before having them memorize the song.
-
7
Allow students to teach their songs to someone else, or a group of people, such as their classmates. Teaching a concept often helps a student understand it better.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Have your students record mock music videos with their multiplication songs. These will not only be fun to make and watch, but may encourage them to memorize the concepts more quickly.
References
- Photo Credit Mathematik image by bbroianigo from Fotolia.com
