Easy and Fun Techniques for Kids to Memorize Multiplication Tables
Teaching children about multiplication is a crucial step in their mathematical journey. Whether through rote learning or innovative methods like the Ancient Egyptian technique, mastering multiplication tables is a key milestone. This article explores various methods that make learning multiplication tables easier and more enjoyable for kids.
The Efficacy of Rote Learning
Many parents and educators, like the author's father, who served as a headmaster of a junior school, have found that repetitive practice—often referred to as 'rote learning'—is an effective way to cement multiplication facts in a child's memory. The author, who learned the tables in primary school at the age of 5-6, still remembers them after 65 years, underscoring the long-term benefits of this method.
Hand Tricks for Multiplied Facts
While rote learning is valuable, there are also fun and engaging ways to help kids memorize multiplication tables. One such method is the hand trick for the 9x table, a simple and effective tool that covers multiplication from 6x6 up to 11x9. This technique not only aids in immediate recall but also helps in understanding the patterns behind multiplication.
ID: 9x Table Hand Trick
To use the hand trick for the 9x table:
Hold out both hands with fingers extended. Count from left to right and dimple the finger representing the factor you want to multiply by nine. For example, if you want to find 9 x 3, dimple the third finger ( Index finger). Now, count the number of fingers to the left of the dimpled finger. This represents the tens place. In our example, there are two fingers to the left, so we have 20. Count the number of fingers to the right of the dimpled finger, including the dimpled finger itself. This represents the units place. Here, there are seven fingers to the right, so we have 7. Putting the tens and units together, we get 27, which is the correct answer for 9 x 3.Mathematical Tricks for Multiplication Tables
Besides rote learning and hand tricks, there are several mathematical tricks that can aid in memorization. These tricks are often taught by educators to help students grasp the underlying patterns in multiplication tables.
Even Numbers and Simple Patterns
2x Table: All answers in the 2x table are even numbers. Recognizing even numbers can make memorization easier for children.
Pattern Recognition with Digits
3x Table: Each solution's digits, when added together, will ultimately produce a sum that is 3, 6, or 9. This pattern can be a helpful strategy for memorization.
5x Table: The answers always end in 5 or 0, which is an easy rule to remember.
6x Table: These answers are even numbers and satisfy the test for the 3x table, meaning when added together, the digits sum to 3, 6, or 9.
Additional Tricks
9x Table: The digits will always add up to 9. This is a useful pattern to recognize, especially for verification purposes.
1x Table: This is simple, as every number multiplied by 1 remains the same.
11x Table: For numbers 1 through 9, the result is simply the number repeated. For example, 11 x 3 33.
Conclusion
Learning multiplication tables doesn't have to be a tedious task. Through engaging methods like the hand trick for the 9x table and identifying simple patterns, children can make the process more enjoyable and effective. Every trick or method has its place, and the key is to find what works best for each individual child.
By integrating these techniques into your child's learning process, they not only memorize the multiplication tables but also develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, setting a strong foundation for future learning.