Learning multiplication tables is an essential part of elementary school mathematics. However, memorizing these tables can be challenging for some children due to their length and rigidity. In this article, we will explore six effective methods to help your child quickly master their multiplication tables, making the learning process easier than ever.
Why Do Students Need to Memorize Multiplication Tables?
In the learning journey of students, multiplication tables are fundamental knowledge and a mandatory part of the curriculum. Multiplication tables are a set of multiplication facts from 1 to n, where n is typically 9, 12, or 20.
View Full Screen In Vietnam, the basic multiplication table that is taught is from 1 to 9. Learning multiplication tables helps students develop mental math skills for simple multiplication problems and aids in manual calculation of complex multiplication without the need for a calculator.
Once students have mastered their multiplication tables, they can confidently and independently solve multiplication problems. Additionally, a strong foundation in multiplication tables boosts children’s confidence and motivation when learning new mathematical concepts.
Six Quick Methods to Memorize Multiplication Tables
Research shows that children have a superior memory compared to adults. During this stage, if parents guide and teach multiplication tables early on, children can retain this knowledge for life.
There are numerous methods to help your child quickly learn and remember their multiplication tables. Let’s explore the following six strategies that you can start implementing today!
Memorize Multiplication Tables Using the “Easy First, Difficult Later” Approach
Traditionally, parents and teachers often teach children to learn multiplication tables in sequential order, starting from 2 and moving up to 9. While this approach is not incorrect, it can be challenging for children to remember. As a result, they may become discouraged and lose interest in mathematics.
One effective strategy to help children quickly master their multiplication tables is to use the “Easy First, Difficult Later” approach. Instead of starting with the table of 2, begin with the table of 5. The multiplication table for 5 is easy to learn and remember, as children can simply count in increments of 5 – 10 – 15 – 20…
Subsequently, you can guide them through the tables of 2, 3, 6, 9, 4, 8, and finally 7. By following this order, children will find it easier to grasp the multiplication facts and build their confidence.
Learning Multiplication Tables Through Songs
Another engaging way to help your child memorize their multiplication tables is through songs. There are many fun and educational songs available that teach multiplication tables. Some examples include “The Number Hop” (table of 2), “Hide and Seek” (table of 5), “My Pet Chicken” (table of 4), and “Oh, There’s Seven” (table of 7).
Listening to these catchy songs will not only make learning multiplication tables more enjoyable for your child but will also reinforce their memory of the facts.
Using the Commutative Property to Memorize Multiplication Tables
Teaching your child the Commutative Property of Multiplication is another useful strategy. Instead of learning multiplication facts in the traditional order (e.g., 2 x 6 = 12, 2 x 8 = 16), teach them that the order of the factors does not affect the product. So, they can think of 2 x 6 as 6 x 2 = 12 and 2 x 8 as 8 x 2 = 16.
By applying this property, children can develop a flexible and quick approach to solving multiplication problems, making it easier to memorize the multiplication tables.
Learning Multiplication Tables by “Leapfrog” Counting
The “Leapfrog” counting method is a fun and effective way to teach multiplication tables. Instead of teaching your child the multiplication facts in the standard order (e.g., 4 x 1 = 4, 4 x 2 = 8, 4 x 3 = 12…), you can simply teach them to count by “leaping” through the numbers. Start with the number 4, then jump to 8, 12, 16, 20…, and so on. This way, your child will naturally associate each count with the corresponding multiplication fact (1, 2, 3, 4…).
This “Leapfrog” counting method makes learning multiplication tables enjoyable and helps children understand the concept of multiplication more intuitively.
Using the Pythagorean Multiplication Table
The Pythagorean Multiplication Table is a unique and effective method for learning multiplication tables. This approach was created by the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras around 500 years before the Common Era and is still used in countries like Norway, the United States, and Japan.
Unlike traditional multiplication tables, the Pythagorean table does not use multiplication signs. Instead, it relies on the correlation between numbers within the table to find the product of two numbers. To use this method, you need to create a square grid with 10 rows and 10 columns. Label the first row and column from 0 to 9 (or you can exclude 0). Then, follow these instructions:
- For each specific multiplication table, focus on the corresponding row and column. For example, for the table of 6, the multiples are 6, 12, 18, 24, 30…, and you can teach your child about squaring numbers. The diagonal line dividing the table in half represents the squares of the numbers, which are also the products of a number multiplied by itself.
- To find the product of two numbers, guide your child to connect the numbers in the row and column. The intersection point of the two numbers is the result of their multiplication. For instance, connecting 3 in the row and 5 in the column leads to the intersection point 15, which is the product of 3 x 5.
Learning Multiplication Tables by Reading Them Backwards
While this method is challenging, it can be an interesting way to reinforce your child’s knowledge of multiplication tables. Instead of reading the tables in the standard order (e.g., 2 x 1 = 2, 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6… 2 x 10 = 20), try reading them backward, starting from the last fact (e.g., 2 x 10 = 20, 2 x 9 = 18, 2 x 8 = 16… 2 x 1 = 2). You can introduce this approach once your child has already mastered reading the tables forward.
These six methods provide simple yet effective strategies to help your child quickly learn and retain their multiplication tables. Feel free to adapt and combine these techniques to keep learning engaging and fun. Don’t forget to check out VOH Life Hacks for more interesting and useful tips!
