Tricks to Make Teaching Multiplication Facts Fun and Easy
So, your students are ready to start learning their *dreaded* multiplication facts! Are you ready to teach them?
Multiplication is one of the main math foundations, so your kiddos need to know it like the back of their hand. But how do you teach it without overwhelming them when it’s a difficult concept to grasp?
With some fun tips and tricks, you can build confidence and mastery in your students. In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite stress-free methods to teach multiplication facts so your students remember them!
Multiplication Teaching Tip #1: Use Songs
Music is a powerful teaching tool that helps students memorize multiplication facts quickly. And when the songs are catchy, they’re more likely to sing them repeatedly!
Using music in your math curriculum has proven benefits, including:
- Increased memorization: Songs with repetitive lyrics can help students retain multiplication facts.
- Pattern recognition: Music can help students recognize different patterns, which is useful in multiplication.
- Boosted engagement: Some students don’t like math – and that’s okay! Adding music to your multiplication lessons can get those kids involved.
Fire up your SmartBoard and head to YouTube, where you’ll find these fun songs that your students will love!
The Three Times Table Song by Mr. DeMaio
This cover of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars teaches your students their three facts with a fun beat.
Skip Count Four by HeidiSongs
This upbeat math jam will have your students up, dancing, and memorizing their four facts in no time!
The Six Times Table Song by Mr. DeMaio
Students will learn their six times table to the tune of Cheerleader by OMI.
8’s Song
When to Use Music While Teaching Multiplication
Use these songs to introduce new facts throughout your math lessons and even during movement breaks! But be warned; your students will sing these on repeat, and you’ll probably be hearing multiplication facts in your sleep!
Multiplication Teaching Tip #2: Use Rhymes
Rhymes are another great way to help multiplication facts stick.
Here’s a list of rhymes you can use in your classroom!
- 2 X 2 that makes 4. 2 x 3, that’s 6 for sure.
- 3 X 7, oh, what fun! 3 x 7 is 21!
- 4 X 8, we can do. 4 X 8 is 32!
- 5 x 8, don’t hesitate. 5 x 8 equals 40. Isn’t that great?
- 6 X 4, hear us roar, 6 x 4 is 24!
- 7 X 7, it’s almost time, 7 x 7 is 49!
- 8 x 6, we can’t wait. 8 x 6 is 48!
- 9 x 4, here’s some tricks. 9 x 4 is 36!
- 10 x 5 is kinda nifty. 10 x 5 equals 50!
When to Use Rhymes While Teaching Multiplication
Truthfully, you can use these anytime!
Introduce new facts with a mix of visuals and rhymes or use them during small groups.
Use rhymes to get the attention of your students throughout the day. (i.e., you say, “2 x 2 that makes four,” and have them respond, “2 x 3, that’s 6 for sure!)
Create a rhymes fact sheet and have your students review them with their families as part of their homework.
Multiplication Teaching Tip #3: Use Visuals
Keep the multi-sensory teaching approach going with multiplication anchor charts! These are great for visual learners who need to see the facts in order to retain them.
Here are some completely free resources you can begin using right now to teach your students multiplication.
When to Use Anchor Charts While Teaching Multiplication
I have full-size multiplication anchor charts and mini multiplication anchor charts that you can use in a variety of ways.
Full-Size Multiplication Anchor Charts
- Display multiplication anchor charts near the front of the room when introducing new concepts.
- Create a multiplication fact wall gallery for students to reference regularly.
- Hang multiplication anchor charts up in math centers.
- Print multiplication anchor charts and have students add them to their math binder.
Mini Multiplication Anchor Charts
- Print and add to a key ring with multiple fact charts.
- Provide each student with their own multiplication anchor chart during small group instruction.
- Provide each student with their own multiplication anchor chart when introducing new facts.
These fun, fool-proof teaching methods will help your students navigate the multiplication unit with confidence and ease!
Don’t be frustrated if they don’t pick the facts up right away. This skill takes repetition and time!
Work multiplication facts into your day whenever you get the chance. Allow them to practice, practice, practice, and watch their growth explode!
Prep less and teach more when you join the Anchor Chart Club! This gives you and your students year-round access to anchor charts for math, science, language arts, and more.
