by Angela S. Young

Created on: May 21, 2007   Last Updated: March 06, 2011

One of the best ways you can help your child ace multiplication is to help them understand the concept. What is multiplication? Why do I need to learn it? Multiplication is just multiple adding. By teaching your child how to 'count by' numbers, you help them see the connection between adding and multiplication. The numbers can be chanted as they clap and jump up and down or do some other type of physical activity. Adding the extra activities makes it fun and helps 'set' the numbers into the memory.

Then have children walk around the room (walk with them) counting from 1 up. When they get to a 'multiple' they clap their hands. This a fun way for even younger siblings to help with the 'homework'.

Third, show them how the numbers have patterns. This also helps them remember by showing them that numbers are not just boring, they are fun and you can have fun with them. We'll use 9 for an example, since it is the easiest and most common to learn.

Write out, one on top of the other, 9,18,27,36,45,54,63,72,81,90,99,108. Let them try to find patterns before you assist them. Then make sure they see that the right number goes down one each time (then repeats starting with 99). The left number goes up one (view the 9 as 09). Kids are fascinated when they realize how you can 'play with' numbers. There are other tricks to the nines, and more patterns for you and your child to look for.

Fourth, use flash cards repeatedly. Don't overwhelm them with the whole batch at first, but go over one section every day until they are acing it, and then go on to the next, reviewing all learned at least once a week till they are all down good.

Fifth, make it fun. Games, games and more games. Children do not have to know they are actually studying if you find ways to make it seem like play. Some of the above ideas fall in this category. Another good game is 'war'. Use regular playing cards (or hand made ones). Two players each lay down a card in the middle. The first one to shout out the answer to card 1 x card 2 keeps them. The goal is to get all the cards. This game can take a while, but it's lots of fun and you can play it with your child (beware, he/she may beat you!).

Last, but not least: read, read, read, read! There are MANY good counting, multiplication... books out there. Make them part of your child's day (bedtime?) every day, allowing them to take over as they learn. There are also multiplication books out there that make pictures of the facts with a little story that helps those students who are more visual learners that may have difficulty with the other styles.

Whatever you do, don't be afraid. It's OK if you're rusty too, you'll be amazed how well YOU will be multiplying by the time your child moves on. Don't forget to allow children to help you with grocery shopping, cooking, ... by using their multiplication. This helps them realize that multiplication is not just fun and facinating, it's also useful!

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