Multiplication tables for kids are a rite of passage . . .
Multiplication tables for kids: are you looking for ways to encourage kids who are learning their times tables?
Did you know moving helps kids learn multiplication tables?
Keep reading for practical tips and a really fun video about the dreaded SEVENS times table.
All you need is a little multiplication magic . . .
*sprinkles fairy dust*
All of these popped up while I was researching for Under Pressure With a Squash: The Multiplication Problem, a Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale for kids ages 9 to 12.
The Trials of Times Tables . . .a.k.a. making multiplication fun!
What does a Roman spring have to do with multiplication?
Um. It seemed magic to me? Just like these magical tips about learning how to multiply. I discovered them while working on a book project. (Scroll down for more about the book.)
In Under Pressure With a Squash . . . the eleven-year old prince of the Saffron Kingdom has a big problem:
Magellan is REALLY not interested in Times Tables. Especially not the SEVENS!
He has maps to make and dragons to rescue!
*cough*
Of course, even the dragons would start multiplying!!!
While I was writing, I looked around for things that would make multiplication more interesting.
For Magellan . . . 🙂
And for kids working on their multiplication tables . . . 🙂
When I was in college, my friend Suzy Koontz was studying statistics and all fired up about girls (and boys) learning math.
Many years later, and she’s still singing (and dancing) the same song, but now she’s working on multiplication tables for kids. 🙂
She’s brought physical activity and math together–(I can’t resist)—it’s a multiplicative effect—to help kids in two ways at once.
With my background in chronic disease epidemiology, I’m thrilled with anything that help kids move and stay healthy at the same time!
Suzy’s brilliant Math and Movement* program is a “kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching math and learning that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, cross-body movements, and yoga.
The program uses visually pleasing floor mats or floor decals that allow children to practice basic skills while using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning.”
Check out this two-minute video for a demo of Suzy's fun and effective way to learn multiplication:
A healthy way to learn multiplication tables for kids
Parent encouragement tips and practical help for multiplication
The Schoolrun.com (UK English)
This site has tips on how parents can encourage their kids as well as practical help.
All kinds of things I wish I’d known . . . for myself and my own kids. 🙂
For example, TheSchoolrun.com has these helpful suggestions:
“Tips and tricks for learning the 2 times table
Learning the 3 times table: expert advice
The 4 times table step by step
The “easy” times tables: 5s, 10s, 11s and 12s
The hardest multiplication table to learn: the 7 times table
The “tricky” times tables: 6s, 8s and 9s
"Once your child has a a full set of tables, they need to practise so that they are automatic by the time they start secondary school. A light touch, coming back to those that are difficult, will help, but you should also ensure that your child learns the standard methods of multiplication and division, so that they do not be come over-reliant on doubling and dividing by 10."
A Surprisingly Fun Video About the SEVENS
(I know, I know–but it’s true, you’ll love it!).
Spoiler: Snakes & Ladders + Tic, Tac, Toe. The perfect Math Night game!
This isn't a book about multiplication . . . but multiplication plays a key role in Magellan's success!
Some problems multiply faster than others . . . like baby dragons!
Can eleven-year-old Princess Saffy and Prince Magellan beat the pressure in this magical school story?
Get on board the Hubbard submarine and find out!
