5 Best Tips to Master Multiplication

 

5 Best Tips to Master Multiplication

As educators, we know that mathematics isn’t just about numbers. It’s a life skill that helps children navigate the world with confidence. And at the heart of mathematical understanding lies multiplication—a foundational skill that unlocks future success in division, fractions, algebra, and beyond.

If you're a parent or carer, you might be wondering how best to support your child’s learning at home.

The good news? Mastering multiplication doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right strategies, it can be engaging, empowering, and even fun.



Making Multiplication Meaningful

Children learn best when learning feels natural, dynamic, and relevant. Here are some powerful, research-backed approaches that can transform your child’s experience with times tables:

1.      Familiarity Through Visual Learning

·         Place a colourful multiplication chart where your child studies—on their desk, wall, or bedroom door.

·         Try flashcards that include pictures, arrays, or puzzle elements for added engagement.

·         Use hands-on materials like stickers, magnetic numbers, or dry-erase boards to encourage interaction.


2.      Engaging the senses: Music & Movement

Did you know that rhythm and melody can help cement multiplication facts in memory?

·         Set times tables to catchy tunes or nursery rhymes—sing them together in the car or at bedtime.

·         Encourage clapping, hopping, or dancing while reciting facts. This kinaesthetic approach helps activate memory in meaningful ways.

3.      Turning Learning into Play

Children thrive when learning feels like play. Consider these fun, low-prep activities:

  • Multiplication Bingo: Match equations to answers on bingo cards.
  • Dice Games: Roll two dice, multiply the numbers, and tally points.
  • Digital Platforms:  Websites like Mathletics and MathsOnline offer game-based, self-paced learning.


4.      Brain-Based Strategies for Lasting Learning

Research in cognitive science gives us valuable insight into how children retain information.

  • The Spacing Effect: Short, regular practice (10 mins a day) is more effective than weekly cramming.
  • Active Recall: Encourage your child to explain their thinking, quiz themselves, or teach you.
  • Chunking: Focus on small sets (like 2s, 4s, and 8s) before expanding.

5.      Celebrate Growth, Not Just Speed

Every child learns differently. Celebrating effort, improvement, and perseverance—rather than speed—helps build a more positive relationship with learning.

  • Turn multiplication practice into a celebration of progress.
  • Use stickers, reward charts, or simple words of praise to build confidence.
  • Help children feel proud of what they’ve achieved, no matter how big or small.


By creating a supportive and joyful learning environment, you’re not just helping your child remember multiplication facts. You’re nurturing a love of learning that lasts well beyond the classroom.

✨ Let’s turn frustration into fluency, and repetition into real retention. ✨

 

 

 

Location: Suite 3a/14 Glen St, Eastwood NSW 2122, Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond Memorisation: Creative Ways to Teach Times Tables at Home

Image
  Foundational Skills & Mindset: Teaching Times Tables Effectively (Rote Learning) From Repetition to Retention: Making Times Tables Meaningful As educators, we understand that mathematics is more than just numbers—it’s a crucial life skill that empowers children to navigate the world with confidence. At the heart of mathematical fluency lies multiplication, a fundamental building block that supports understanding in division, fractions, and algebra. Yet, many children find learning their times tables frustrating, often struggling with memorisation that feels tedious or overwhelming. As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder how to best support your child’s learning journey at home. The great news? Mastering times tables doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right strategies, learning multiplication can be engaging, rewarding, and even fun! By integrating hands-on activities, real-world applications, and brain-friendly learning techniques, children can develop both fluency and ...
Read more

From Curiosity to Passion: Helping Your Child Find What They Love

Image
  Helping Children Discover and Nurture Their Passions Supporting children as they discover what excites and inspires them is one of the most rewarding roles we can play. When a child connects with something meaningful, it can deepen their motivation, boost resilience, and offer a sense of direction. So how do we guide children towards discovering what truly excites them? And once that spark appears, how do we help it grow into something lasting and meaningful? Rather than rushing the process, the best method is to focus on creating the right conditions for passions to emerge and grow. Passion is Grown, Not Given The idea that children are born knowing what they love is a common misconception. In reality, passion tends to evolve through exposure to varied experiences that spark curiosity and feel personally relevant. Research into interest development shows that when children are supported to engage deeply and meaningfully, initial sparks of curiosity can mature into lasting intere...
Read more

Why Your Child Forgets What They Study: 3 Powerful Memory Hacks That Work

Image
  Your Child Studies Hard but Forgets: 3 Science-Backed Memory Techniques That Actually Stick Did you know your child might forget up to 80% of what they've studied within just one week—yet effortlessly recite dialogue from their favourite Marvel film? It's puzzling, frustrating, and surprisingly common. But it’s not due to a lack of intelligence or effort—it's simply a matter of using the right study methods. Understanding how quickly forgetting happens can help you fight back effectively. Here are three science-backed methods to help your child retain information long-term. Why Your Child Keeps Forgetting (and How to Fix It) Traditional methods like re-reading notes or cramming may seem logical but often result in disappointing outcomes. Here’s how you can significantly boost your child's retention: Three Proven Memory Techniques (and Why They Work) 1. Spaced Practice: Frequent, Short Reviews Spaced practice means reviewing information briefly but consistently over d...
Read more