
If you are looking for a resource where all of the work is done for you, you may be interested in The Multiplication Station, a self-paced, student-centered math station where students work through the basic multiplication facts and strategies, mastering each one as they go. Strategies are integrated in a strategic manner, ensuring that students build on their understanding progressively. See the Multiplication Station HERE.
Strategies are ESSENTIAL. Think of them like tools in a tool box. When our students see a problem, we want them to be able to choose an effective strategy that will help them solve it. I’ve listed some effective strategies for the facts below. I’ve also listed them in my preferred order of teaching. Simply click on each strategy for a more detailed explanation of each one: The 2’s Facts: Use the doubles addition facts (See a full explanation HERE) The 10’s Facts: Shift the digits one place to the left (See a full explanation HERE) The 5’s Facts: Use the related 10’s fact and divide in half (See a full explanation HERE) The 1’s Facts: Anything times 1 is itself. The 0’s Facts: Anything times 0 is 0. Square Facts: Learn the squares like 3×3, 4×4, 5×5 by using arrays where we can “see” the square that is created. These facts will be important for deriving facts later on. The 4’s Facts: The double of the double (See a full explanation HERE) The 3’s Facts: The double plus one more group (See a full explanation HERE) The 9’s Facts: The related 10’s fact subtract one group (See a full explanation HERE) The 6’s Facts: Use a known fact. (See a full explanation HERE) The 7’s Facts: Use a known fact. (See a full explanation HERE) The 8’s Facts: Use a known fact.(See a full explanation HERE) Let’s talk a little bit about strategies vs. tricks. One thing to remember is that a strategy will enable students to solve ANY problem, while a trick is limited. Take for example, the “just add a 0” trick for multiplying by 10. Is this effective for multiplying whole numbers by 10? Yes, absolutely it is. But there is a problem. Once students get into multiplying decimals, they will have to un-learn this trick. To solve 13.4 can you just add a 0 and make it 13.40? No. In this case it is more effective to teach students to shift the digits one place to the left, encouraging a place value understanding of multiplying by 10. The next time that you are teaching a strategy, be sure to ask yourself, “Is this a strategy or a trick?” NEXT STEPS: Read more about an effective order for teaching the multiplication facts HERE. This order will motivate your students and enable them to see huge progress early on in their learning.
6 Comments
I homeschool my 7 year old daughter and math is not my strong point. So the information I’ve read here so far has been quite useful and seems to be user friendly. I’m excited to browse other areas of your site and be able to glean from the resources you have to offer. Thank you
As a middle school teacher, my educational background is in language arts and reading. In my new position as an interventionist for a middle school, I find that I need to support students who do not know their math facts. Finding your blog and webinars has been wonderful. Your information is clear, concise, and quick doable. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge. THANK YOU!