Learning the math multiplication tables is essential for a child to experience ongoing success in mathematics. Success in mathematics is the cornerstone for success in the sciences. Together, these two areas of study provide a wide range of possible career paths.
With a sound knowledge of the tables your child will be able to work quickly and accurately in mathematics and will be able to focus her mind on learning new skills in this essential subject. That knowledge will mean your child will not need to repeatedly stop working to look up multiplications in a table. The time and frustration your child will save as a result of knowing her math tables is massive.
HOW CAN MY CHILD LEARN THE TABLES?
The answer is simple, through repetition. As with all things, there is a best way to do that repetition.
Obtain a copy of the times tables. It is better if this is in a list form rather than a grid. You can download a free copy of either the 1 to 10 times tables or the 1 to 15 times tables from my website.
The tables need to be written out ONE FULL SUM AT A TIME. That means your child should write out 3 x 6 = 18, then 3 x 7 = 21 and so on. If the child goes for the easy option of writing out all the “3″s first, then all the “x”s and so on, it will take MUCH longer to learn the table.
Why is that?
When your child writes out the sum as 3 x 6 = 18, the brain registers that those three numbers 3, 6, 18 go together. Once this is embedded in the memory, your child will see the missing number when the other parts of the set are given.
For example, if a question is presented as such: 3 x __ = 18 your child will know that 6 is the missing number from the trio.
This also works for division facts, which your child gets for free by learning the times tables. If the same number set is used in a division, eg 18 / 6 = __ it is obvious that the number missing from the set is 3, so that is the answer.
Once the tables are memorized, all your child needs to do is learn new rules and techniques in maths. This will happen quickly and your child will have the confidence of knowing that she has the basic tools to apply to new concepts.
I have been a maths and science teacher for over 10 years and have found this method to be consistently successful and also the fastest way to learn the tables. Regular practice for at least 10 minutes each day will allow your child to make rapid progress in memorizing the tables.
