Multiplication Madness: Practice Makes Perfect
Topics: Third Grade, Math
Let's face it: third graders have to memorize their multiplication tables. But, committing them to memory doesn't have to feel like detention. Here are some ways to shake up those multiplication tables.
Make it Real
Help your child find places where facts pop up at home, and label them with the equations. For example, the egg carton becomes 2 X 6 = 12. The key pad on the phone is 3 X 3 = 9. The books on the shelves may be 12 X 3 = 36. The stacked plates could be 2 X 6 = 12. Finding concrete examples for each fact will help many learners to visualize the fact and use the image as a mnemonic device. Besides kids love making stickers of just about anything!
Make it Fun
A deck of cards can turn practicing multiplication facts into a game. Each player takes half of the deck to play Multiplication War. The first person to say the fact takes both the cards.
Make it Competitive
Encourage your child to set personal goals for memorization. Keep a chart in the kitchen and let her color in the facts she has memorized by heart. Allow her to pick a reward for herself when she reaches her goal.
Jes Ellis has a BA in American Civilization from Brown University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Smith College. She has taught for over five years in Central America, Central Africa and Central New Hampshire. She currently teaches in Concord, NH where she lives with her husband and two young children.
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