Mastering the Multiplication Tables

I cannot count the number of times that I have been told by a parent that their child just doesn’t seem to be able to remember their multiplication tables. Memorizing multiplication tables has been causing problems for decades, or dare I even say centuries.

The challenge with not learning our basic facts is that it severely slows down math as they get older. Being unable to have that information at your fingertips, makes adds extra steps and extra frustrations as a child gets older.

Learning multiplication facts, in most cases, must be an intentional act. There are a handful of children that will see them, learn them, and remember them immediately. In my experience, this is not the norm. So, I suggest, be intentional about teaching and aiding your child in memorizing them, and if you happen to have one of those children with a photographic memory that can look at them and remember them, well then, nothing is lost because the end goal is simply for them to know, understand and retain their multiplication tables.

Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your child understands that multiplication means ‘groups of.’ Start by choosing a few facts to review. Perhaps 2 x 5 and 5 x 2. Clearly outline that 2 x 5 means 2 groups of 5. 5 x 2 means 5 groups of 2. This basic understanding is important. In some cases, we may think, “oh my child knows that for sure!” But, if they have been simply memorizing facts of singing a multiplication rhyme, this piece may not have processed as well as we would like.
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If your child is new to multiplication tables, get some paper and some tokens and practice creating groups of. Dried peas, pennies, or any other easily countable item can be used tokens. Once you believe that your child does truly understand the concept of multiplication, there are a few things you can try to help them retain the information.
 
Here are my top 6 suggestions.

1. Use manipulatives. As already suggested, ensuring your child understands their tables is important. Use practical tools, like counters, buttons, or pennies, to have your child ‘show’ and ‘tell’ you the answers to the facts that you ask them.  Arranging items on a flat service allows them to use their tactile learning styles.
2. Write and memorize. This is the most traditional suggestion that shouldn’t be thrown out the window. Have your child write out their facts, one set of facts at a time, and read, write, and review them. They can write them on paper, on a white board, on a computer…wherever they like writing. You can also add a twist and have them write it in the sand or with any other sensory tools. It can sometimes be difficult to memorize all 12 facts of a table at once. Perhaps do up to x 6 initially and then do the next 6 once the first 6 have been masters. For example, begin with 6 x 1 – 6 x 6 and once those are masters, tackle 6 x 7 – 6 x 12.
3. Use a Hundred Chart – Print out a hundreds chart from the internet. Decide on the facts that you want to review. If we continue with the 6 x tables, have your child highlight all the answers to the 6 x tables. Therefore, the numbers on their hundreds chart that are highlighted will be 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54, 60, 66 and 72. In highlighting these numbers, you are activating the visual memory as they see the pattern of the highlighted numbers, but you are also providing them with a way to review. Have them count by 6’s several times. This techniques makes it easier for them to know when  they are giving an incorrect answer. For example,  if they answer 37 to the questions 6 x 6, they will immediately know that something is ‘off,’ and will reflect on what more likely to is be the answer of 6 x 6.
4. Eraser game. This one is a favorite at the center. Write down all the answers to the times table you are working on. Therefore, if you are working on the 4 times tables, you will randomly write 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 and 48. You then ask your child facts and have them erase the answer. For example, if you say 4 x 6, they should then erase 24.
5. Calculator Support. Children love to use calculators. Chances are they may have one on their tablet. You can also use a regular calculator. Explain to your child that calculators are tools that can also help us check our answers. Ask them a basic fact, have them give their answer, and then allow them to double check it on their calculator. The goal is to match the calculator answer, but of course, the ongoing practice will be improving their likelihood of remembering their facts.
6. Use Flash Cards. Once your child has a grasp of their facts, practice accuracy and speed with flash cards. Perhaps put on a time for 1 – 2 minutes and see how many flash cards that can answer correctly. Record that score. Repeat this regularly and encourage them to beat their score from the day before.