Memorizing multiplication tables can be tricky for some kids. It requires a lot of repetition for them to permanently sink in and become second hand knowledge to the child.
One game that we use to reinforce the times tables is a very simple card game. It is especially fun to play with two or more kids.
To Set Up: Using index cards (I used the really big cards), make a card for each number from 0-12. Make three sets of the cards for a full playing deck.
The problem showing is 3x4
To play: To practice the 3’s times tables for example, you will lay down a 3 for your child. Next you will lay down the top card from the deck next to it and that will be the problem. Here we have 3×4. If the child gets it right the card stays where it is and a new card is laid on top of it to form the next problem. If the child gets the answer wrong, take the card and lay it aside forming the ‘wrong’ pile. The objective of course is to get them all right. You can also work on speed, trying to get the answer before the next card is laid down.
Working on times tables for 3,5 and 4
Once your child is having good success with two or three different times tables, you can start playing with all of them at the same time. Insead of playing with just the 3’s now we are playing with the 3’s, 5’s and 4’s. Each top deck card is placed below the number you are multiplying it by. Playing this way makes your child think harder and is more challenging. Now see how fast your child can get…can they say the answer before the next card is laid down?
You can also play with two kids at once making separate piles for each of them. Whoever gets the most right in one round wins.
This is such a simple game but just by playing it daily can make all the difference with memorizing those pesky times tables. We play the game at least once a day even though my daughter knows her tables quite well. If the ability to quickly recall the answers is not exercised routinely then it can be lost. Keeping a sharp and quick remembrance of multiplication facts is essential in later years when math problems get much more complicated.
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Thanks for this – so easy and effective. I'm off to find a pack of cards so that I can play this today without writing out the index cards!
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Jeanne, I thought of using a regular deck of cards, but what do you for the 11 and 12’s. I guess you could use a king or queen for them but I thought that might be confusing for my second grader, so I just wrote out the cards. A deck would definitely be easier though for older kids.
Your blog is great!
Ah, there are decks of cards that go up to 13, as well as the face cards. There must be some games that require these higher numbers…can’t imagine mainstream manufacturers make them just for homeschoolers!!
Keep a look out for them.
Thanks for the nice words on my blog!
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I love including lots of math games and this does look like fun! Thanks for the detailed instructions w/ pics as I definitely need them and you’ve made it simple to understand.
Thanks for sharing this game – I especially like the way it can become more challenging!