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6 Effective Methods to Help Children Memorize Times Tables for Long-Term Retention

To ensure that your child can naturally memorize the multiplication table, rather than just rote learning it, parents should take note of these 6 simple ways to study the multiplication table.

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26 October, 2023

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Elementary school students are introduced to multiplication tables. However, memorizing multiplication tables can be difficult for some children as they are long, rigid, and hard to absorb. In this article, VOH will provide parents with 6 fast ways to memorize multiplication tables to make the process of teaching children multiplication tables easier than ever.

Why do students need to memorize multiplication tables?

In the learning journey of students, multiplication tables are foundational knowledge and are a mandatory part of learning. Multiplication tables are a chart that records the multiplication of numbers from 1 to n, with n usually being 9, 12, or 20.

6 ways to memorize multiplication tables to help children remember longer 1 — Multiplication tables are a mandatory part of the Mathematics curriculum in Vietnam – Image: Internet

In Vietnam, the basic multiplication table is commonly taught from 1 to 9. Learning multiplication tables helps students quickly mentally calculate simple multiplication problems, as well as helps calculate complex multiplication problems (without the help of a calculator).

Once students have memorized the multiplication tables, they can solve multiplication-related problems quickly and easily in mathematics. Furthermore, students who excel in multiplication tables will be more confident and bold when learning new mathematical concepts.

The fastest ways to memorize multiplication tables

According to many studies, children’s memory is much better than that of adults. At this stage, if children are guided and taught to learn multiplication tables early, they can retain the multiplication tables in their minds for a lifetime.

There are many ways for children to learn multiplication tables quickly and memorize them for the long term. Let’s take a look at the following 6 methods that you can apply right away for your child!

Memorizing multiplication tables in an “Easy first, difficult later” way

6 ways to memorize multiplication tables to help children remember longer 2 — Memorize multiplication tables in an “Easy first, difficult later” way – Image: Internet

Usually, parents teach children to learn multiplication tables in the order from 2 to 9. This method is not wrong, but children often have a hard time memorizing it. If children keep learning without memorizing, they will become discouraged with multiplication tables and mathematics as a whole.

One of the secrets to helping children quickly memorize multiplication tables is the “Easy first, difficult later” method. Instead of teaching children the multiplication tables from 2 to 9, you can teach them to learn the multiplication table of 5 first, because the multiplication table of 5 is very easy to learn and remember. All the child needs to do is count in increments of 5 – 10 – 15 – 20…

After that, you can continue to guide them in the order of the multiplication table 2 -> 3 -> 6 -> 9 -> 4 -> 8 -> 7.

Memorize multiplication tables through songs

Another way to memorize multiplication tables is to let children listen to songs about the multiplication tables. Some songs you can refer to include: “Những con số tung tăng” (Multiplication table 2), “Trò chơi trốn tìm” (Multiplication table 5), “Đàn gà của em” (Multiplication table 4), “Ô kìa anh bảy” (Multiplication table 7),…

Having children listen to fun songs combined with learning multiplication tables will help them remember better, and they will also become more interested in learning mathematics.

Memorizing multiplication tables through the exchange method

6 ways to memorize multiplication tables to help children remember longer 3 — Memorizing multiplication tables through the exchange method – Image: Internet

Another tip for learning multiplication tables that you can teach your child is through the exchange method. Instead of learning in the traditional way, such as 2 x 1 = 2, 2 x 2 = 4…, you can teach your child to learn multiplication tables using the commutative property of multiplication, which is a x b = b x a.

For example, in the multiplication table, there are two calculations: 2 x 6 = 12 and 2 x 8 = 16. When learning the 6 and 8 multiplication tables, the child can apply the exchange method by knowing that 6 x 2 = 12 and 8 x 2 = 16 to easily find the answers to the multiplication problems.

Learning multiplication tables through the exchange method helps children develop quick and flexible reactions to each calculation.

Memorize multiplication tables by “skip counting”

“Skip counting” in learning multiplication tables means instead of teaching children 4 x 1 = 4, 4 x 2 = 8, 4 x 3 = 12…, you only need to teach children to count the numbers. Starting from 4, then 8, 12, 16, 20… Each time, the child will imagine each multiplication as 1, 2, 3, 4…

Counting “skip counting” when learning multiplication tables is also a fun learning method that helps children grasp the essence of multiplication.

How to learn multiplication tables using the Pythagorean Times Table

6 ways to memorize multiplication tables to help children remember longer 4 — Using the Pythagorean Times Table to learn multiplication tables – Image: Internet

The method of learning multiplication tables using the Pythagorean Times Table is a relatively new and creative method. This method was created by the mathematician Pythagoras about 500 years BC and is used in many countries today, such as Norway, the United States, Japan, etc.

The Pythagorean Times Table does not contain multiplication signs, but it uses the comparison of numbers in the table to deduce and find the answers to multiplication.

To learn multiplication tables using the Pythagorean Times Table, you need to draw a square grid. Each vertical and horizontal line is divided into 10 small squares. The first vertical and horizontal lines are numbered from 0 to 9. Then, perform the calculations according to the following instructions:

Vertical and horizontal lines: Teach children to learn multiplication tables for specific numbers. For example, in the multiplication table of 6, the multiples are 6, 12, 18, 24, 30… You will teach them about the powers of 2. The diagonal line divides this table in half and represents the result of the power of 2, which is also the result of a natural number multiplied by itself.
Use multiplication: Teach children to connect the natural numbers from the vertical and horizontal lines. The intersection point between these two numbers is the result of multiplication. For example, when connecting the number 3 from the vertical line and the number 5 from the horizontal line, the intersection point is the number 15. This is the result of the multiplication 3 x 5.

Learning multiplication tables by reading the table in reverse

Another method to help children quickly memorize multiplication tables but also challenging for them is to read the table in reverse. Instead of teaching children to read the multiplication table in the forward way like 2 x 1 = 2, 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6… 2 x 10 = 20, you can now teach them to read it in reverse from bottom to top: 2 x 10 = 20, 2 x 9 = 18, 2 x 8 = 16… 2 x 1 = 2.

You can try having your child read the multiplication table in this way when they have mastered the multiplication table in the forward way!

There you have it, these are 6 simple yet effective ways to help children memorize multiplication tables quickly and remember them for the long term. Feel free to modify these methods flexibly to make learning multiplication tables less boring and more enjoyable for your child.

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Frequently asked questions

There are several methods that can be effective in helping children memorize their times tables for long-term retention. These include using visual aids and associations, practicing with games and quizzes, teaching patterns and shortcuts, incorporating music and rhymes, breaking down tables into smaller tasks, and encouraging regular review and practice.

Visual aids, such as flashcards, charts, or diagrams, engage the child’s visual memory and provide a concrete reference for abstract concepts. By associating a visual image with a multiplication fact, children can more easily recall the information. For example, when learning the 3 times table, a child could associate the number 3 with a triangle and visualize three triangles to help remember the multiplication facts.

Practicing multiplication facts through games and quizzes adds an element of fun and competition, motivating children to actively participate in the learning process. Interactive games, whether played with a partner or digitally, reinforce the child’s understanding and provide immediate feedback. Quizzes can also be used to identify areas where the child may need additional focus and practice.

Teaching patterns, such as the concept of multiples, can help children recognize connections between the tables. For example, understanding that the 4 times table is counting in multiples of 4 (4, 8, 12, 16, etc.) can make it easier to recall the facts. Shortcuts like doubling or halving numbers in certain cases can also be taught, such as doubling the number when multiplying by 2 or halving when multiplying by 5 and then adding a zero.

Incorporating music and rhymes creates a rhythmic and memorable way to learn the times tables. Creating songs or raps for each multiplication table can make learning more enjoyable and help children recall the facts more easily. Rhymes can also be used to remember specific facts, such as ‘8 times 8 is 64, a fact that’s hard to ignore!’

Breaking down the times tables into smaller, more manageable tasks prevents children from feeling overwhelmed. Instead of trying to memorize all the facts at once, focus on mastering one table at a time. This helps build confidence and ensures a strong foundation before moving on to more complex tables.

Regular review and practice are crucial for long-term retention. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than longer, less frequent ones. Encourage daily practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Spacing out the review sessions over time also helps, as it allows the brain to reinforce the connections and commit the information to long-term memory.