Don't we all dread memorising timetables?

Hello everyone, this week's topic is on Multiplication.

As we all know, multiplication is one of the main 4 operations of Mathematics.

In my years of teaching, I've learnt that students tend to learn the multiples before they memorise the entire timetable.

For example,

Timetable of 3: 3,6,9,12...

Instead of: 3x1 = 3, 3x2=6

Hence, very often students dread having to memorise timetable all over again, just to remember the factors. However, that's extremely important when we learn division and then later apply all 4 operations in solving problem sums.

Here's some tips to encourage and help students better memorise their timetables:

Tip #1 - Any number multiply by 1 = that number

Example:

1 x 2 = 2

1 x 10 = 10

1 x 100 = 100

Tip #2 - Any number multiply by 10 = Number with a zero added at the back

Example:

10 x 5 = 50

10 x 50 = 500

10 x 14 = 140

Tip #3 - Learn the timetables through a song

I've never tried it personally, but my student learnt through a song. So far, it's pretty effective! Here's the link: Multiplication Song

There are more multiplication songs available on Youtube, so you can search for it if you don't like this song.

Tip #4 - Test yourself via games

1. Multiplication Tables Spinners - DIY craft

2. Math Playground - Website for mathematic games

   1. Level 1 difficulty: Monster Multiplication

   2. Level 2 difficulty: Penguin Jump Multiplication (I'm so competitive, I always want to win first place hahahah)

   3. Level 3 difficulty: Tug Team Multiplication

Here's some words of encouragement I often share with my students:

The hardest part of memorising timetables has never been timetables 6, 7, 8 and 9. The reason is because you've already memorised more than half of it from the previous timetables.

For example:

1x8 = 8x1

2x8 = 8x2

3x8 = 8x3

4x8= 8x4

5x8 = 8x5

6x8 = 8x6

7x8 = 8x7

8x10 is easy, by just adding a zero after 8.

So just learn 8x8 and 8x9!

It's extremely understandable when one hates to memorise timetables. However, trust the adults and teachers when they say it's very important. It will help a lot in the future (not even that far future you know)

Hope these tips help to make the learning process a little less painful, a little more fun!