Use Rhymes for Tricky Multiplication Facts!
Fun Ways to Remember the Harder Multiplication Facts
Intro for Parents
From my experience teaching students, there are always certain facts that seem to be harder for them to memorize. Here, I give you two ways through rhymes and art to help them retain some of the harder ones.
Tips:
Let them practice the facts orally and act them out twice daily at different times during the day.
If they want to color them each day they can, but it is not necessary. The key is to make it quick and fun.
They may want to change them and make up their own rhymes, which may help them retain it more easily.
Only teach them one set of facts at a time. When they have mastered the six facts, then move on to the seven facts, and then the eight/nine facts.
If there are still a couple of facts they still struggle to remember, then post pictures of their drawings all over the house where they will see them - the fridge, their bedroom door, etc. You can also make giant poster-size facts and post them around the house.
Step 1: Teach the Six Facts
Teach them one rhyme at a time.
6 x 6 is 36 and I can pick up sticks.
6 x 7 is 42 and I can jump. Can you?
6 x 8 is 48 and I am feeling great.
6 x 9 is 54 and I can shut the door.
First, they say the rhyme orally and memorize it.
Next, give them a piece of copy paper and tell them to write the fact and decorate it with crayons or colored pencils. They can write it both vertically and horizontally. If they choose, they can use a different color for each fact. You can post their pictures around the house, so they will see them all the time.
Last, ask them to say the fact and act it out. For 6 x 6, they can act like they are picking up sticks while saying the fact. For 6 x 7, they can jump when they say it. For 6 x 8, they can throw up their hands while saying it, showing they are feeling great. For 6 x 9, they can pretend or actually shut a door while saying the fact.
They are ready to move on when they can say the facts by memory without pausing long to say the answer. They should be able to know the facts going in order, but also know the answer if you mix them up.
Step 2: Teach the Seven Facts
Teach them one rhyme at a time.
7 x 7 is 49 and I am feeling fine.
7 x 8 is 56 and I can do some tricks.
7 x 9 is 63 and beans are good for me.
First, they say the rhyme orally and memorize it.
Next, give them a piece of copy paper and tell them to write the fact and decorate it with crayons or colored pencils. They can write it both vertically and horizontally. If they choose, they can use a different color for each fact. You can post their pictures around the house so they will see them all the time.
Last, ask them to say the fact and act it out. For 7 x 7, they can act like they are feeling fine while saying the fact. For 7 x 8, they can pretend they are doing tricks when they say it. For 7 x 9, they can pretend they are eating beans will saying it.
They are ready to move on when they can say the facts by memory without pausing long to say the answer. They should be able to know the facts going in order, but also know the answer if you mix them up.
Step 3: Teach the Eight & Nine Facts
Teach them one rhyme at a time.
8 x 8 is 64 and I can clean the floor.
8 x 9 is 72 and I can color it blue.
9 x 9 is 81 and I am having fun!
First, they say the rhyme orally and memorize it.
Next, give them a piece of copy paper and tell them to write the fact and decorate it with crayons or colored pencils. They can write it both vertically and horizontally. If they choose, they can use a different color for each fact. You can post their pictures around the house so they will see them all the time.
Last, ask them to say the fact and act it out. For 8 x 8, they can act like they are cleaning the floor while saying the fact. For 8 x 9, they can pretend or actually color their paper blue when they say it. For 9 x 9, they can pretend they are having fun while saying it.
They are ready to move on when they can say the facts by memory without pausing long to say the answer. They should be able to know the facts going in order, but also know the answer if you mix them up.