Fun Ways to Learn Multiplication Facts

Introduction

Many students find multiplication challenging and rely on rote memorization, which can be tedious and ineffective. However, understanding the basic concepts of multiplication is crucial for tackling more complex math problems with ease. The traditional method of memorizing multiplication tables can be dull, but there are many engaging and effective ways to learn multiplication facts.

Start with Concrete Examples

When introducing multiplication, it's essential to provide concrete examples to help students gain a strong visual understanding of the concept. For instance, consider the following problem: "Ammie has 4 cartons of eggs. Each carton has 3 eggs. How many eggs are there?"

Using manipulatives like beads, blocks, or paper clips can help kids organize multiplication. For example, you can use real-world scenarios to illustrate multiplication. Once kids are familiar with real-world problems, make the connection to multiplication. Using the example above, you can begin explaining like this “I have 5 groups of eggs. Each group has 3 eggs. That’s 5 x 3. I have 3 eggs five times.

Use Manipulatives

Manipulatives are a wonderful tool to teach kids how to organize multiplication. They can use anything from beads, blocks, paper clips, or whatever you find around the house to understand math concepts. For example, you can say, “We are skip counting by 3s while doing jumping jacks.” The kids get out of their seats and do a jumping jack for “3, 6, 9, 12” and so on staying in a sequence of 3s. Being up and moving helps to keep the blood circulating and increases memory.

Practice Multiplication Rules

A good way to help students understand multiplication is to have them understand some rules. These consist of:

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Any number multiplied by one remains the same.
Any number multiplied by two is just that number plus itself.
Any number multiplied by 10 gets a zero on the end.
Any number up to nine multiplied by 11 is the same digit repeated twice.
If you reverse the numbers in a multiplication problem you will get the same result. For eg 3x5 and 5x3 both equal 15. This is called the commutative property of multiplication.

Once students understand the commutative property, they will begin to spot it in problems, helping them to evaluate it more easily.

Incorporate Word Problems

It’s best to introduce word problems alongside fact fluency practice, so students understand how multiplication translates to real scenarios. The shift to words can be tricky, so ease students in by visualizing the problem, to begin with.

Movement-Based Learning

Sometimes, visual and auditory teaching methods alone may not be enough for young students to learn multiplication. Kinesthetic teaching strategies, or movement-based teaching strategies, use physical activity to teach students new concepts. It’s a hands-on approach where understanding is achieved through movement and touch. Not to mention, using this strategy can be your new, fun way to teach multiplication.

Students who prefer to learn through kinesthetic methods love to be active participants rather than observers while learning. These students do not learn best when watching and listening to a teacher explain how multiplication works. Instead, they would understand better by clapping while skip-counting aloud or stepping on a life-sized number line.

Benefits of Kinesthetic Learning

Physical activity increases oxygen levels in the blood and blood flow to the brain. As a result, the brain receives more oxygen and can function at optimal levels for learning. Additionally, during exercise, the brain produces a protein called BDNF, which improves the function of neurons and promotes their growth. So, when the body is moving, the brain is ready to develop new information pathways.

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Furthermore, exercise promotes the growth of the hippocampus - the portion of the brain in charge of memory and learning. When a person is physically active, their brain is ready to comprehend and retain new information.

Active Math Movements

Active math movements are Math & Movement’s short exercises that allow students to practice skip counting while moving. These exercises do not require any materials. All you need is your students’ bodies, energy, and imaginations! These exercises are designed for students to do while sitting at their desks, standing between lessons, or traveling in the hallway.

Most of our active math movements are cross-lateral movements, meaning they engage both sides of the brain. As a result, these short movement breaks are perfect for energizing and refocusing young minds. Our active math movements are broken into two parts - whisper/loud movements and skip counting movements. First, students practice whisper/loud movements to reinforce the intervals in the number line for different multiples.

To do this, students whisper the numbers that are not multiples and shout the numbers that are multiples. Once students understand the whisper/loud patterns, they can move on to skip counting movements, another effective multiplication strategy. In these exercises, we eliminate the whisper part and only skip count.

Skip Counting Mats

Math & Movement’s Skip Counting Mats are some of our most popular products. These mats are life-sized number lines that have large blocks for each multiple of the main factor. Each block contains the numeral, number word, and group of symbols representing the corresponding quantity.

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By all means, skip counting on these mats can be a whole-class activity! First, the teacher instructs students to stand on either side of the mat. Ideally, students each stand next to a multiple of 4. Students skip count aloud by chanting the multiples together, “4, 8, 12, 16…” Continue to 40. Repeat this multiple times. Students may clap along as they recite the numbers.

After that, students take turns jumping down the mat, landing only on multiples of 4. The student standing closest to the zero block starts first. The rest of the students will continue to skip count aloud in sync with the student jumping on the multiples.

When the jumping student reaches the end of the mat, they will rejoin their peers on the sides of the mat by the 40 space. The next student by zero can hop down the mat now. Repeat this until every child has had a turn to jump on the mat. Overall, the goal is to have students be able to skip count without being able to see the mat.

With this in mind, have students turn around and face away from the mat and skip count aloud together. After that, once students know skip counting patterns, they can use the mats to solve multiplication problems.

Solving Multiplication Problems with Skip Counting Mats

Let’s return to multiplication by 4s. We’ll solve 4×3 as an example. To begin with the problem, the student stands on zero. They jump forward the number of times the 4 is multiplied by, only landing on the multiples of 4. The final number they land on is the answer. So, the student jumps forward three times. Next, students can drill and practice multiplication problems repeatedly until they memorize the products. The Skip Counting mats can be used alongside worksheets for a combined multiplication strategy.

Bean Bag Baseball

One of our favorite multiplication games is Bean Bag Baseball. To play, divide students into teams. One team lines up behind zero on your Skip Counting mat. (We’ll keep using the Skip Counting by 4s mat.) Meanwhile, the other team(s) will wait off to the side until it is their turn “at bat.” Place a bucket at the top of the mat. For us, that’ll be above 40.

The game’s goal is to get the most bean bags in the bucket before all rounds/innings are over. You can determine how many innings you play. Give the first student in line a multiplication by 4s problem. They will solve the problem by jumping on the mat. If they answer correctly, they can toss a bean bag into the bucket. The team gets a point if the bean bag goes into the bucket.

If the student’s answer is wrong, the team gets a “strike,” and the student does not get to toss the bean bag. Repeat with the next student in line.

The Fidget Game

Multiplication card games, like those offered by The Fidget Game, can turn learning into a fun activity. These games encourage children to practice their multiplication skills in an interactive and competitive setting.

Multiplication Card Games

Multiplication card games, like The Fidget Game Multiplication Card Pack, turn learning into an engaging adventure. A typical multiplication card game might involve matching multiplication problems with their correct answers. This reinforces the memorization of multiplication facts while promoting quick recall.

Playing multiplication card games also provides an excellent opportunity for family involvement. Parents and siblings can join, turning learning into a shared experience that strengthens family bonds.

Songs and Rhymes

Incorporating songs and rhymes into multiplication lessons can make learning fun and memorable. Rhythmic patterns and catchy tunes help children remember multiplication facts more easily. For example, several multiplication songs cover various times tables.

Visual Aids

Visual aids such as colorful charts, flashcards, and posters can significantly enhance a child's understanding of multiplication. These tools provide visual stimuli that help children memorize multiplication facts. Flashcards, in particular, can be used in games to make learning interactive.

Effective Practice Techniques

Once your child has learned how to use stepping-stone facts for a times table, focus on just that specific times table for several days. Use a mix of practice techniques to give your child some variety and make learning multiplication fun. I like using a mix of recitation, games, and worksheets, so that kids speak, see, and write the facts.

Recitation

I know, reciting the times tables may seem old-fashioned. But, saying information aloud helps to cement it in your child’s memory. Plus, reciting each table in order helps your child understand how the facts in the table are related. For example, reciting “1 × 7 is 7. 2 × 7 is 14. 3 × 7 is 21…” reminds your child that each new fact in the ×7 table is 7 more than the previous fact. So, she can add 7 to each previous fact to help her remember the next one, because the facts in the table add a new group of 7 each time.

Games

I heart math games! They make math fun and social, but they also have a huge teaching benefit: when you play a multiplication game with your child, you can monitor how well your child is using the strategies-and fix any mistakes before they become ingrained.

Worksheets

Worksheets aren’t the most exciting, but they’re an important practice component, since your child will often use multiplication in his written work. Keep worksheets short and sweet so that your child stays alert and focused.

Additional Activities

Sticky Dot Arrays: Purchase a few sets of colorful sticky dots. On pieces of card stock or construction paper, arrange sticky dots in arrays that model multiplication facts.
Multiplying Group: Everybody has two ears, but how many ears do three students have all together? Practice multiplication by calling up three students to the front of the classroom. Ask questions for the whole class that focus on multiplying.
Multiplication Poem: Supply each student with a set of 20 counters. Then read this poem and sub in two numbers in the blanks as you read. Early in the morning, ___ Martians came. They multiplied by ___ and played a football game.
Clap It Out: Tell students you will clap out a multiplication fact. They should listen carefully to the number of claps, and write the fact they hear down on a whiteboard or paper.
Digit Card Multiplication: Using index cards, have each student create a set of digit cards from 0 to 10 with five copies of each digit card in the deck. Then ask students to partner up and put one deck in the middle.
Manipulative Grouping: Kids like to get their hands on things and move them around. Keeping learning active is always a great strategy with kids. Provide each student with a group of small manipulatives such as cubes, counters, beads, or even dried beans (very cheap and they work well!). Then call out a multiplication fact and ask students to group their manipulatives to model the fact.
Calculator Practice: Give students simple calculators. It’s good to give your class practice with how calculators work. Call out two factors, like “3 and 7.” Students input the two factors on the calculator, pushing the x button in between, but they don’t press the = button.
Egg Carton Multiplication: Ask each student to bring in an empty egg carton. In the bottom of each section of the carton, have them write a number from 0 to 11 with a permanent marker. Give each player two beans or beads.
Hole Punch Arrays: Arrays are a great way for students to “see,” and in this case “feel,” multiplication facts. This is a good activity to individualize that multiplication work. Divide a white piece of card stock into eight boxes. In each box write a multiplication fact you would like the student to work on.
Dice Rolling: Partner students up. Give each group a pair of dice, lined paper, and a pencil. They should fold the paper in half vertically and write their names at the top of the two columns. Have players take turns rolling the dice and recording the two numbers that come up as factors on the paper in their column.
Multiplication Museums: Provide a variety of manipulatives like counting chips, cubes, paper clips-almost anything you have plenty of. Also give each student 10 index cards and tell them that they will be setting up their own multiplication museums on their desks using the manipulatives.
Forehead Facts: Partner students up and put a deck of multiplication fact cards down in between them. Each student takes a turn picking a card. They do not look at the card, but rather hold it against their forehead so their partner can see the card.
Twister: Take a set of sticky notes, and on each one, write a multiplication fact on one half and the product on the other. Cut them in half. On the Twister spinner, there are color dots. Place the product part of the sticky fact on the spinner dots. On the Twister mat, place the other half of the fact cards on those dots.
Card Search: Take index cards and make a set of digit cards 0 to 9 with at least three of each card. Have students shuffle their cards and spread them out on their desks. Call out a product, like 12.
Jenga: Use an old Jenga set or pick up a generic one at a dollar store. On each block, use a permanent marker to write a multiplication fact. Then set up a tower. As players pull blocks from the tower, they must answer the multiplication fact on the block.
Name Tag Sort: Get a pack of sticky name tags and write multiplication facts you want to practice on each one. Pass out a tag to each student and have them put it on. Begin to call out sorting clues.
Plastic Cup Stacking: Buy a set of small disposable plastic bathroom cups. On the side of each one, write a multiplication fact. This is a good activity for a small group of three or four students.
Dot Drawing: Give each student a lined paper and a pencil. Tell them to draw a given target number of dots, like 12. After each student does this, ask them to take a crayon and circle the dots in a way that will reveal a multiplication fact.
Dominoes: Partner students up and give them a set of dominoes. The dominoes should be placed in a box or bag so players can’t see them. Players take turns picking a domino out of the bag.
Bottle Cap Facts: Have students collect bottle caps, wash them, and bring them into class. Distribute the bottle caps evenly among the class.
Soccer Ball Facts: Ask your class what the most difficult multiplication facts to remember are. Write these on the board. Brainstorm strategies to remember them together. Write these strategies next to the hard facts on the board. Then get a soccer ball and write these hard facts on the ball (or balls) with permanent marker.
Finger Multiplication: Partner students up and have them stand and face each other. On the count of three, each player throws out a number of fingers on one hand. Both players look at the fingers, count them, and multiply those two numbers.
Multiplication Clues: Give each student two blank index cards and two multiplication facts. Students should write the two factors down on one side of each card. On the other side, they should write at least three clues that will point other players to what the multiplication fact is.
100 Chart Coloring: Give each student a copy of a 100 chart and a set of crayons or colored pencils. Then give directions to have students color and locate products for the multiplication fact you call out.
Multiplication Bingo: Provide each student with a 100 Multiplication Facts Chart. These charts have the factors but not the product. Tell students you will be playing Multiplication Bingo together.
Array Cover-Up: Give each student a blank 15 x 15 array sheet or a sheet of graph paper, pencil, and crayons or colored pencils. Model how you would draw an array for a multiplication fact on a paper like this.
Number Line: Partner students up and give them a set of multiplication fact cards. The lead partner deals out 10 cards to each player. Two cards are then picked at random from the deck and placed on a desk about 2 feet apart. These are the beginning and end cards.

Tips for Parents and Educators

Consistency: Consistent practice helps reinforce learning and aids in the retention of multiplication facts. Setting aside a specific time each day for multiplication practice ensures that it becomes a regular part of your child’s routine.
Short And Focused Sessions: Daily practice sessions should be short and focused to keep children engaged. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of dedicated multiplication practice each day.
Vary Your Activities: Incorporate different activities to keep practice sessions fresh and interesting. Use a mix of flashcards, worksheets, and multiplication card games.
Track Progress: Monitor your child’s progress to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: It’s critical to remain positive toward math to set an example for your child's success. Celebrate small victories and encourage effort over perfection.
Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure your child has a quiet, distraction-free space for practicing multiplication.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks.
Incorporate Interactive Elements: Use multiplication games, apps, and hands-on activities to make learning fun.

When to Start Learning Multiplication

Children typically start learning multiplication in 2nd or 3rd grade, around 7 to 8 years old. However, readiness varies, so it's beneficial to introduce the concept when your child shows interest in math. Use games, songs, and visual aids to make learning interactive. Incorporating multiplication into daily activities, like cooking or shopping, can also make it enjoyable.

The Importance of Memorization

Memorizing multiplication tables helps with quick recall and aids in understanding more complex math concepts. It also boosts confidence in solving math problems efficiently.

Addressing Challenges

Common challenges include difficulty memorizing tables, understanding repeated addition, and applying multiplication to solve word problems. Each child may face unique obstacles. Parents can provide quiet study space, use educational games and apps, and encourage a positive attitude toward math.

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