How to Teach Multiplication Tables to 5th Graders
- 1). Teach children how to skip count by giving each child a number line from 0 to 100. Find the pattern for each table by circling the numbers on the number line. For example, to learn the multiples of three, begin by circling the number three. Explain that there are three spaces after each number when you are skip counting by three, so the next number to circle would be six. Do this activity for each number.
- 2). Demonstrate the concept of multiplication as being an easier way to add the same numbers many times. Using the number line from 0 to 100, explain that each number circled, when finding multiples of three, can be found by adding three to each number. This can be done for each times table.
- 3). Use a multiplication matrix to find patterns in each row and column. Note that any number times zero always equals zero. Multiples of five end in zero or five. All multiples of 10 end in zero.
- 4). Build on memorizing patterns from the matrix by learning tricks for certain tables. When learning the 11s table, any number (up to 10), times 11 is simply written twice. To quickly memorize the nines table, hold your hands in front of you with your fingers spread out. To compute the answer to 9 x 4, bend the fourth finger from the left. There are now three fingers remaining to the left of the bent finger and six fingers remaining to the right of the bent finger leaving you with the answer 36. Remember that any number times one always equals itself and any number times two is always even.
- 5). Make a set of flash cards for each child. Once students have a working understanding of multiplication they can finish memorizing their facts by drilling flash cards independently or with a partner.
- 6). Play games that reinforce multiplication facts. Use a deck of cards to pull out two numbers at a time to multiply. Play Bingo by calling out each fact and having the students cover up the correct number on their cards.
- 7). Teach rhymes or songs to help remember facts. "Eight times eight fell on the floor; picked it up and it's 64." "Seven times seven fell in a mine; dug it up and it's 49."
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