We are learning our multiplication tables in my third grade class.
What are some creative activities that may help my students remember
their multiplication tables? What are some activities that parents could do at home
to help their children practice their skills? Practice makes better!!
I have found that having students memorize their multiplication facts requires a lot of drilling and a lot of practice. Flash cards and frequent fact drills seem to work in most cases. There are, however, alternative activities that students can complete to help them remember their multiplication facts. When I was student teaching in a special education resource room, I found an activity that my fourth and fifth grade students loved pertaining to multiplication facts. Multiplication wheels are a great resource that help students remember their facts. There is a wheel for each number 0-12. Examples of this activity can be found here: http://www.worksheetfun.com/2013/09/18/multiplication-worksheets-multiply-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12/.
ReplyDeleteThe multiplication wheels seemed to be fun for students, and they proved to be quite effective in some cases. Another thing that I have found when dealing with multiplication facts is that students hate to be timed. Sometimes, timing them is necessary when completing fact drills. One way to make this more fun is by providing incentives if they finish the drill within the allotted time period, rather than penalizing them for not finishing on time. This could be done with bonus points or prizes in the classroom. Other incentives could be used if this were to be completed at home.
I love the idea of offering incentives instead of penalizing the student for not finishing a timed drill.
DeleteI do not have a lot of experience as a teacher in multiplication, but I think some of the tools used for addition and subtraction facts could be useful. They still do produce practice aloud CDs. Students sing the facts aloud along with the CD. This is a great way to get in some verbal repetition. I also use a great student practice website XtraMath. This site allows you to sign in as teacher and add students. Very easy to download on computers and iPads for quick log in for students. You set the grade level and students take a practice test. They progress at their own individual levels. You are able to see student progress or lack of in the practice exercises. This program is also available for students to access from home if you choose.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of singing along with a CD reciting multiplication facts.
DeleteMy favorite activity to use to teach multiplication is the School House Rock. I love the energy that it brings out in the students to want to sing along which helps them learn their multiplication facts. Using the sing along on a daily basis will help the students learn their facts quickly and allow for worksheets to be completed with ease. Parents can also play the song at home or visit https://www.coolmath4kids.com/math-help/multiplication and allow the students to practice on the different games. Parents can also just help their child by saying the multiplication facts in the car on the ride home from school which will also give the students some more practice. Having different centers that provides the students with different manipulative to use like the multiplication keys (keys that have all the math facts listed on them and the student would wrap a string around it to see if they can get the multiplication correct by not looking at the answers on the back of the key, as they learn the fact you can time them).
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of School House Rock but I will have to check it out.
DeleteI can remember dreading the rehearsal of multiplication facts out loud. I often knew the answer, but became stressed out when put on the spot in front of other students. Worksheets can become tiresome and repetitive. There are a lot of different apps out there that allow students to practice their multiplication skills. Many of them are basically "digital flashcards" that allow students to go through and answer the questions. Once the basic understanding of how multiplication works is established I think it would be a good idea to encourage students to explore the apps. This allows students to work at their own skill level and elevates the pressure of not knowing an answer in front of their classmates.
ReplyDeleteFear of public speaking, including the rehearsal of multiplication facts, in front of the whole class can be a frightening experience for some. I like the idea of using digital flash cards to practice.
DeleteHave you ever tried using games such as Math Blaster or a "teacher made" game in the classroom? I really liked to use Jeopardy in the older classrooms I've been in; the students really seemed to respond to that game. Also, as I've mentioned before, what about using flashcards in a trail around the room. The students have to work their way through the flash cards in order to earn a reward. You could play this game, say right before recess so that the students have to play to earn recess time.
ReplyDeleteJeopardy sounds like it would be fun to try!
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