This article is part of the following topics: Building Math Skills
A Grid To Learn Multiplication Tables
Is your child starting to learn multiplication? Here's a tip to help kids learn...and it's a lot more fun than flash cards.
Draw a grid that is 10 squares across and 10 squares down. Number the rows 1 to 10 down the side and number the columns 1 to 10 across the top. Every square in the grid will be in a numbered row and a numbered column.
To complete the grid, fill in each square with its multiplication answer—the number of the row it is in times the number of the column. For example, in the square of the 2 row and the 3 column, your child would write “6” because 2 x 3 is 6.
Let your child take as much time filling out the grid as needed. It's OK to use a calculator at first. As children fill out the grid, they'll begin to see patterns—that 2 x 3 is the same as 3 x 2, for example.
Post the grid somewhere easy to see—the refrigerator is a good place. That way, it's easy to fill in squares as your child figures out the answers. When your child has filled it in completely, put up a new grid. This time, it will probably take less time to fill it out. That's good. Soon the times tables will be learned.
You can even play games with the grid. For example, time your child to see how long it takes to complete the entire grid. Or see how many squares they can complete within 2 or 3 minutes. Or start at the lower right corner and try to fill in the grid from bottom to top.
This is an easy, fun way to make the multiplication tables a lasting part of your child's learning.
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Posted by - bernie on Sep. 19, 2009
need to update my skills for it's been along time using fractionsPosted by - bernie on Sep. 19, 2009
need a freasher croase in fraction for measuring dry items in bakingPosted by - Dad on Jan. 05, 2009
This is a great technique for learning multiplication. It also can be used to introduce "skip counting" which is one of the strategies often used to teach multiplication concepts in the classroom.You can print out pre-made grids to fill in at the link below...
http://www.dadsworksheets.com/v1/Worksheets/Multiplication.html#Multiplication%20Grids