This article is part of the following topics:   Building Math Skills

Recognizing Patterns Reinforces Basic Math Facts

You can turn this part of math into fun. Here are some ways to make memorizing math facts more fun:

Start with “square numbers.” Learn the sum of 1 + 1, 2 + 2, 1 x 1, 2 x 2 and so on. If he’s having trouble remembering 6 x 7, he can recall that 6 x 6 = 36, so 6 x 7 must be 6 more, or 42.

Introduce a daily number fact. Choose one math fact a day. One day it might be 9 x 6 = 54. Challenge your child to repeat it often that day. He might say it in the shower or at the bus stop. You could both say it while loading the dishwasher. Say it in a high voice. A low voice. A whisper. By the end of the day, you’ll find that he probably knows that math fact very well.

Practice “fact families.” When your child is learning 7 x 6, learn the whole family of facts:

• 7 x 6 = 42
• 6 x 7 = 42
• 42 ÷ 6 = 7
• 42 ÷ 7 = 6

Remember that memorizing activities should be enjoyable for both you and your child. If they start to feel like work, take a break. Your goal is to help your child learn to love math.

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