How to Teach Multiplication to Kids

Teaching multiplication to first graders is a significant step towards imparting good mathematical practices to them. The focus of this chapter is to help young learners understand the concept of multiplication in the simplest way that is fun as well as helping them develop good mathematical skills. Multiplication is a very important operation, it is not only used in higher level mathematics but also in common problem solved and any logical analysis. This article will offer teachers and parents guidelines, suggestion, and ideas in teaching the children how to learn multiplication in a fun way.

Multiplication is the process of adding a number to itself a certain number of times. For example, 3 multiplied by 2 (3 x 2) is the same as adding 3 two times (3 + 3). This basic understanding is essential for first graders.

Importance of Learning Multiplication

Learning multiplication early helps children:

• Develop problem-solving skills.
• Understand and apply mathematical concepts in real-life situations.
• Build a strong foundation for more advanced math topics.

Here are few strategies to teach multiplication to your kids

Using Visual Aids

Teaching aids in the form of pictures are quite effective while addressing students on multiplication. To support the learning of this concept, let children handle objects such as counters, blocks or beads to teach them. For instance, to explain 3 x 2, the teacher should arrange three sets of 2 blocks in a group.

Interactive Games

Introduce some four fun-filled games that can be used to make learning enjoyable. In class, Math games such as ‘Multiplication Bingo’ or multiplication worksheets or computer based games can help students and reinforce their knowledge through play.

Repetition and Practice

In Mathematics, particularly in multiplication, it is always advised to practice each sum consistently. Prepare and design worksheets that contain multiplication exercises for students to complete as daily assignments. These are some of the problems that children should be encouraged to solve and as their problem solving skills develop the level of difficulty should be extended.

Storytelling and Real-Life Examples to Teach Multiplication

Using stories and real-life scenarios to teach multiplication helps make abstract concepts more concrete for young learners. Here are some examples that you can use to explain multiplication to first graders.

Story

There was once a little girl called Lily, who had a dream of preparing cookies for her friends. One day, she told herself that she was going to bake some cookies and invite some of her friends over. Lily made sure that all of her friends had a share of the cookies that they planned to eat.

Three of Lily’s friends were invited to the party. She hoped to share each friend 4 cookies. To be able to decide how many cookies she needed to bake, Lily managed to multiply the numbers.

Solution

Multiplying the number 3 by the number 4 equals 12 cookies.

That is why Lily baked 12 yummy cookies for a party. When the friends came to visit she gave each of them 4 cookies, and all of them enjoyed their treat.

Explanation:

While in this story the symbol 3 depicts the number of groups and the 4 cookies each friend received portrays the number of items in each group. Lily followed the same process as John and first ascertained that she required 3 friends × 4 cookies = 12 cookies in total.

Real-Life Example of Multiplication

Example: Tom also has an area of interest towards toy cars. There are many boxes and all of them are filled with the exact similar number of cars. Tom has five boxes, each containing 2 toy cars.

Solution: 5 boxes with 2 cars one each = 10 cars

Explanation: It follows that; The 5 boxes represent the number of groups while 2 toy cars in each box symbolically represent the number of items in each group. Number of boxes = 5 Toy cars per box = 2 ⇒ Total Toy cars = 5 × 2 = 10

Songs and Rhymes

Teaching the multiplication tables can be managed made easier by incorporating several songs and rhymes. Make shortest rhythms and songs for every multiplication tables through which children can easily and effectively learn tables. For instance, when teaching children the 2 times table, the tunes can be given in relation to the nursery melody that they find relatable.

Multiplication Chart

Introduce multiplication charts as visual references. These charts help children quickly find the product of two numbers and recognize patterns in multiplication.

Teach your child following tips and tricks to solve the problems of multiplication quickly.

Skip Counting

Teach children to count by tens for instance two, three, four, and so on this exercise is called counting in intervals or skip counting which assist in the process of mastering multiplication. For example counting using multiples of 2 (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) makes it easier to learn the 2 times table.

Finger Multiplication

In terms of multiplication tables, one strategy that can be used to easily memorize the 9 times table is known as the finger multiplication technique. The meaning and concept being Now raise both hands and show all ten fingers. So to find 9x 3, you have to bend the third finger. Count the number of fingers before the bent finger, that is 2 stands for tens, count the next which is 7 as ones that brings the total to 27.

Multiplication Stories

Here is a short story that incorporate multiplication problems, making abstract concepts concrete and engaging for young learners.

Story: The Apple Baskets

In a sunny orchard, there were 4 baskets. Each basket was filled with 3 shiny, red apples. Farmer Joe wanted to know how many apples he had in total.

Solution: 4 baskets × 3 apples each = 12 apples

Conclusion: Farmer Joe counted and found he had 12 apples in total. He was happy because he had enough apples to make lots of delicious apple pies for the village fair.

Also, Check

• How to Teach Integers to Kids
• Fun Ways Kids Use Math Everyday
• Real-Life Applications of Mathematics

What is the best age to start teaching multiplication?

The best age to start teaching multiplication is around 6-7 years old, typically in first grade, when children have a good grasp of addition and subtraction.

How can I help my child memorize multiplication tables?

Let me share some tips on how to help your child memorize multiplication tables: Sing them as songs, recite them as rhymes, and practice as often as possible using the charts.

What should I do if my child struggles with multiplication?

However if your child gets it hard you should consider using different teaching methods such as use of pictures, tool icons, and even use of real life examples.

How often should my child practice multiplication?

It is enough to devote even several minutes in a day to help your child make progress in the area of multiplication equations. Consistency is key.

Can multiplication be taught through play?

Absolutely! Games, puzzles and other interactive lessons are proven to be most effective when teaching multiplication. They can be fun and assist in the reinforcement of the knowledge being taught.