whats the best way to learn your multiplication tables?

Question

Is it best to learn them by heart or just by doing lots of examples. Also what age is best to start multiplication in primary school?

Answer 1

Start by introducing kids to the idea of numbers, and how they work. They can learn at a very young age that 2+2+2=6. Show them that three sets of 2 is the same thing. Then explain that this is multiplication. We learn the multiplication tables by heart BY doing lots of examples.

Get a copy of Schoolhouse Rocks, especially the Multiplication Rock. Get it on CD and on DVD, and introduce it to kids as entertainment. Believe me, it sticks. I grew up during the seventies when this was on every Saturday morning. Thanks to Schoolhouse Rocks, I understand what an adjective is, I know the Preamble to the Constitution, and I can multiply by 3's at the speed of, well, the song. The complete DVD is available for only fifteen bucks at Amazon.

And finally, here are a few tricks to learning the 9's.
1. If you add the numbers in the result together, it's always 9. (3x9=27 and 2+7=9 ... or 52x9=468 and 4+6+8=18 and 1+8=9).
2. Think of the answers to the first ten in the series as 2 digit numbers. The first digit always increases by one, and the second digit always decreases by one. The first digit is always one less than the number you're multiplying by. For example:
1x9 =09
2x9 =18
3x9 =27
4x9 =36
etc...
3. Use your fingers. Hold your hands out face down in front of you. Starting at the left, count fingers to the number you're multiplying by, then put that finger down. The number of fingers to the left of that finger is the first digit of the answer, and the number of fingers to the right is the second digit. For example, if you're multiplying by 5, count from the left (pinkie, ring, middle, pointer, thumb) and put down the fifth one (thumb). There are four fingers to the left and five fingers to the right. Four-five. 5x9=45.

Answer 2

To help you teach your child, you will find a few sites below which offer free learning materials.

I go along with the majority of answers: learning by heart tables 2 times up to 12 times has been invaluable. Give your child about three weeks on each table before going on to the next higher one.

However, give the tables some meaning other than just rote learning. A lot of kids don't understand what multiplication is. A book called "Mathematics for the Million (1936)" by Prof. Lancelot Hogben (if still available) teaches arithmetic and mathematics through the historical evolution of the need to calculate. It will be useful to your child throughout his or her school days as it really makes maths come alive.

Answer 3

Learn them by heart by doing examples. The best time to learn is usually around 6-7. Although the 2 times tables should be learnt by the time a child is 5. Make it fun as well.

Answer 4

Give some real examples first. sing it. the kid has to learn it by heart, too. Then have some games using flash cards to choose numbers and answer. The teachers' stores sell a plastic ball for it. I have it and use it to teach multiplication tables to my students. It's better if your kid is 7 and almost 8. It also depends on his maturity.

Answer 5

There are many educational theories but 2 of the main ones are Behaviourism and Constructivism. Behaviourism means changing somebodies behaviour and relates to traditional methods of education where pieces of information are drilled into a pupil. The pupil subsequently recalls this information. Constructivism on the otherhand involves constructing pieces of information in our brains. We construct information by associating tasks or events with learning material. Often you observe children playing or 'busying' themselves with various tasks. Effectively what they are doing is constructing information or 'Playing to Learn'. Put simply, it is practical learning applied to real life situations. The great thing about a constructive approach to learning is that a pupil can retain information for a much greater period and the learning method is generally more interesting. In summary, avoid learning tables by heart; adopt a constructive approach. Children aged 6/7 will really appreciate this approach. Go to the shops on Monday to buy 2 litres of Milk. Go on Wednesday to buy 2 litres of milk. Thats 2 trips to the shop giving 4 litres of milk; 2 x 2 = 4. Give it a shot ....

Answer 6

I started learning multiplication tables when I was in 3rd grade. (8 years old) I learned through a combination of fast skill and drill (1 minute) tests (how quick can you solve the problems), flash card drills, and fun multiplication drill songs. (I had my songs on records, so you can see how long ago that's been.) But you do have to memorize them because they are necessary before you can move on to higher math comprehension.

Answer 7

just learn by heart, it's really easy. i think it's good to start learning at the age of seven. start with the multiples of 2 and 3 then as you grow older, then go by the bigger numbers.

Answer 8

Yes, rote - learning them off by heart is the best method. Audio visual works though. See 9X8 = 72 and hear it too - and you have a good chance of remembering it. Using modern audio visual aids should make it easier - unless the teacher is an idiot....

Answer 9

What about Multiplication Rock?

Answer 10

When I was at school we sang the times tables and it really did stick in my head.
We seem to have the ability to learn words from a song quite fast.
I also did this with my children and they are very good with mutilplications etc