Free Math Worksheet: Teach Multiplication Tables to Children

Multiplication tables are a fundamental building block of math. At all costs, the best way to give your kid the confidence they need in math, is to make sure they understand the basics of multiplication. The basic multiplication table starts at 1 x 1 and proceeds to 12 X 12. Teach a kid these tables until they know them cold and you will have done your child the greatest favor you will bestow on their educational endeavors. While very few of us use calculus, most of us use algebra and multiplication on a regular basis. Indeed, if we eat out at a restaurant, we unwittingly use multiplication tables. We figure out the square footage of rooms with multiplication. If you stop to think about it, no matter what you do, math is a regular part of your life. Multiplication tables are important. Here are some very simple tricks for teaching your kids how to multiply.

Step 1

Teach your child the tricks. If a kid knows the tricks of multiplication, he will find the process of memorization comes naturally. For example, show him that up to 10 multipliers, the number 11 goes up in identical twin digits… 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88 and 99. Teach him that 11 times a two digit number can be found by separating the multiplier and adding it in the center. For example, 11 X 23 would be separated as 2 space 3 and then the 2 and three would be added together in the center to get the final answer of 253. In cases where the center digit is more than 10, then the first of the two digits gets added to the front digit and the other sits beside the digit to the right. For example, 11X 96 would be 9 space 6. Then add the 9 and the 6 to get 15. Add 1 to the 9 to get 10 and leave the 5 and place the 6 to get 1056. To get to 4 times anything, double it and then double it again.

Step 2

Play multiplication games with your kid. For example, if you have two kids learning multiplication at the same time, pull out a deck of cards, pull the face cards and jokers out, and then grab two cards. Whichever kid multiplies the two numbers correctly the fastest gets both cards. Proceed through the deck. At the end, the kid with the most cards wins. This is an especially useful trick for teaching kids who are competitive. Use it.

Step 3

Establish a reward system for correct answers. You will want to tailor the reward to the individual child. Some kids are happy to get a bouncy rubber wall. Others will require more. Choose accordingly. Consider saying, “I have a chocolate bar for a kid who can tell me the answer to 9 x 7. What’s the answer?” Rewards are tremendous learning tools.

Step 4

Do repetition drills. Repetition is the surest way to ingrain multiplication tables into your child's brain. the basic rule of thumb is that if your kids aren't sighing the answers, frustrated because "duh, I already know that one", then the kid doesn't know their tables well enough yet. You can use repetition at any point. Use it in the car, "Quick what's 7X9?". Use it when they are briushing the teeth, and get the garbled answer. Use it before you pass the mashed potatoes. "Well only kids who can tell me what 6 x 3 is get to eat mashed potatoes. Do you know?" Kids learn through on the spot repetition. Keep this tool in your arsenal.

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