How to Teach Multiplication

The activity of teaching multiplication can be made interesting by the use of various tricks and techniques. A beginner should not be taught cumbersome and tedious procedures to multiply number which, in most cases repels them from the interesting subject of arithmetic. In order to avoid this problem, easy-to-use method(s) need to be devised for making the topic understandable. Let us therefore, get into the details of how to teach multiplication to kids through interesting activities and exercises presented below.

Creative Ways to Teach Multiplication

Simplifying the process of explaining concepts of arithmetic and mathematics in general, makes the study interesting. Children should be taught how to multiply in an easy-to-understand manner. Let us get into the details of explaining multiplication methods to kids through this article.

• The first and foremost thing that one should explain a child is the meaning of multiplication. The expression 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 is quite easy for a kid to assimilate or understand. The expression 3 x 3 = 9 on the other hand doesn't make things simpler for a beginner, or at least for kids. It is therefore, necessary to explain that multiplication is actually the repeated addition which helps in doing stuff quickly.
• The activity of drawing a timetable chart is one of the ways to help children to learn multiplication easily. The relationship that exists between numbers to be multiplied and their answers is understood in a better manner through this activity. The answers of multiplication, owing to repeatedly drawing times table chart are fed in the memory on a permanent basis.
• Flash cards also prove to be useful from the point of teaching multiplication to kids. This method can be used to reinforce a child's memory. The cards that are missed by the kid should be flashed for this reinforcement. Children can definitely make progress in learning multiplication by this method.

Using Arrays to Teach Multiplication

Use of arrays make the process of learning multiplication interesting. It is especially helpful for those who are visual learners. Arrays are blocks of dots/any other shapes. The first number in the process of multiplication is represented by the topmost row of dots. Column of dots that extend from the first dot in the topmost row downwards, represents the second number. Adding the number of dots represented by this entire grid gives the answer of the multiplication activity.

Teaching Double Multiplication

The activity of teaching double digit multiplication is taught by arranging (writing) the first and second factor one below the other. The process of multiplication continues from right to left; it is the best way to teach multiplication for double digit. Let us understand the process in a step-by-step manner.

• The second digit of the second factor should be used to start off the multiplication process. As stated earlier, multiplication of the numbers at right side should be done first, followed by those at the left side.
• Once the first factor is multiplied with second digit of the second factor, a line should be drawn below the resulting product (number) and the process continued in the row beneath.
• A zero should be placed just below the product at the right side.
• Multiplication should then be carried out with the help of first digit of the second factor. The products of multiplication carried out by first and second digits of the second factors needed to be added to give the final product.
• Flash cards with multiplication tables printed on them should be used for the reinforcement of memory and also for developing the problem solving skills.

Some of the best ways to teach multiplication are dealt in the article above. Teaching the concepts of arithmetic in an easy-to-understand manner is necessary for kids to grasp them quickly and properly. The tricks and techniques presented above, are time-tested and their usefulness has already been proved. One should find the information on how to teach multiplication presented above, to be useful.