Learning multiplication tables is a fundamental part of elementary school education, without which further learning is not possible. It is logical, then, that parents often ask themselves, “How can I easily teach my child the multiplication tables?”
We should be prepared that this process will take a lot of time and patience. Moreover, learning should be organized in a way that makes the child enjoy and fall in love with mathematics. Therefore, an appropriate strategy is essential.
No matter how well parents know their children, they don’t teach them multiplication tables every day and may encounter many difficulties. To avoid these, for example, professional math teachers can be engaged who will teach your child the multiplication tables online in a fun way, and also make use of educational videos or apps.
With this in mind, at Mathema, we have combined the knowledge of all our teachers so that you can teach your child the multiplication tables on your own.
Start Simple
Don’t rush into learning the entire multiplication table with your child right away. First, it’s important to ensure that the child has mastered the key concepts related to mathematics and multiplication tables. Therefore, start with the easiest—multiplying by 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10.
- Any number multiplied by zero results in zero. For example, 0×2 = 0.
- Any number multiplied by one results in that number. For example, 1×2 = 2.
- Multiplying by 2 gives a double number. It’s the same as adding the number to itself. For example, 2 × 3 = 6 and 3 + 3 = 6.
- All numbers that are multiples of 5 end in 5 or 0 and are half the number that is a multiple of ten (10×5=50; 5×5=25 or half of 50).
- The simplest table is multiplication by 10. Each time we multiply a number by 10, the result is that same number with a zero behind it. For example, 10 × 2 = 20, 10 × 3 = 30.
Use Visual Examples
One way to explain the logic of multiplication is to use real-world objects. For example, take out all the toys from the basket and divide them into pairs. If you are teaching the Table of 2, give them four pairs of items to make 8, so 2 × 4 = 8. They will understand that four sets of 2 is 8. Also, let the children take these toys to school. This will encourage them more to learn the topic.
Practice the Addition Method
Children can quickly learn the multiplication tables using this method. For example, if we want to multiply 5×5, we can add this number five times to get the correct answer: 5+5+5+5+5 = 25, which is 5×5 = 25.
To move on to the next stage of learning the multiplication table, children can add the number to the result of the previous multiplication. For example, to get 5 × 6, add five to the last result and you have 30. This method helps children get familiar with the following sequences in the multiplication table.
Turn Learning into a Game
Learning the multiplication tables can also be conducted in a fun way. For the first game, you only need cards. Two players draw a card from the deck and flip it simultaneously. The first person who correctly multiplies the numbers on the cards moves them to the winning pile. For example, if a three and a seven are flipped, the first to say 21 gets the two cards. Whoever has the most cards in the winning pile at the end of the game wins.
In the second game, ask your child to make a set of cards. Write a task on them, for example, 4×9 on the front and the answer 36 on the back. Now organize a timed contest where the child must solve as many multiplication examples as possible within one minute. And the next day, ask the child to try to beat their record. Moreover, the process of creating such cards will help the child consolidate their knowledge.
Count on Fingers
Your child can also use their fingers to learn the multiplication tables up to 9. Start by spreading all 10 fingers in front of you. To calculate 9×1, drop the left little finger
. What’s left? 9 fingers!
For 9×2, drop the left ring finger. What now? One finger and an empty space, after which we have 8 fingers, that’s 18. This method works up to 9×9 (8 and 1 or 81). But when teaching such tricks, don’t forget to ask children why they work and the mathematical calculations behind them.
Draw a Multiplication Flower
This is another method of learning the multiplication tables in a fun and creative way. Children start this exercise by drawing the center of a flower, where numbers from 2 to 12 are written. Then draw around the center 12 petals, each containing numbers from 1 to 12. The final step is drawing another set of petals to indicate the multiplication results of the numbers in the center with the numbers in the first row of petals. The layout of such a flower from Mathema can also be downloaded from the link.
Regularly Check Your Knowledge, but Not All the Time
When your child has mastered the multiplication table, it’s time to regularly check this knowledge. It’s best to do this when nothing special is happening, and the child can focus as much as possible. For example, when you are walking them to school or waiting for the bus. Additionally, try to make such exercises regular, and choose a specific time to build a system.
Use Incentives
You don’t have to use money or material goods—it might spoil the child’s love of learning. Suitable are ordinary treats or favorite drinks. Meanwhile, leave big rewards for major school achievements. This encourages persistence.
And remember, you should not judge children if they give wrong answers. Learning should always be a pleasant activity.
