Target Multiplication

Who said practicing times tables can't be fun? Create a set of targets, get out a deck of cards, and get ready to practice multiplication. Kids are awarded points for correct answers, plus, they get one step closer to memorizing times tables!

What You Need:

• One deck of cards
• Three targets (Print these out, or use pieces of paper.)
• Score sheet (Print this out.)

What You Do:

1. Label your targets (or sheets of paper) "x 1", "x 3", and "x 5". This will indicate the multiplication problem for each target.
2. Lay the targets out about four feet away from the throwing area.
3. Players take turns drawing a card from the deck and pitching it at a target. If their card lands on a target, they may multiply their card by the number on that target. (For example, if they threw a 7 and it landed on the "x 3" target, they would earn 7 x 3 = 21 points.) For the purposes of this game, all face cards will be worth 10 points each.
4. Players record their scores for each round, even if their score is zero.
5. At the end of 10 rounds, players add up their scores. The player with the largest total wins!

Variations:

• Change the rules so that the first player to score 200 points wins the game.
• Change the values on the targets.
• Make face cards worth more (jacks = 11, queens = 12, kings = 13).