Learning the multiplication table can be frustrating for kids learning it and the adults teaching it. Progress in memorization of multiplication usually comes slowly. The challenge for children is that numbers are abstracts, which means they are not easily visualized. In turn, they are difficult to remember. So why not capitalize on a strength of children, their imagination, to memorize the multiplication tables?
The Problem with Route Memory
One of the basic rules of memory is that to remember anything, you have to pay attention. That sounds simple, but the act of route memory militates against this basic principle, yet route memorization is forced upon children as one of the only ways to memorize.
Aside from being a mechanical process, route memory work does not promote interest in the subject matter. In a word route memory is boring, especially for kids, which makes learning difficult. We will make learning the multiplication table fun for kids because they will be engaged in the learning by using their imaginations.
Rhyming to Remember
You most likely learned your "ABC's" by use of the "ABC" song. Rhymes and songs are strong aids for the human memory, and most kids love to sing and rhyme.
The multiplication tables will be presented as rhymes coupled with visual images. This two step process has two distinct advantages over route methods of memorization: 1. It is engaging for the child. 2. It forges mental imagery for abstract numbers which can be remembered more easily. These two advantages equate to learning faster with less frustration and boredom for children and a higher retention rate.
Multiplication Made Easy: Number 2
In order to use this multiplication table, read aloud the rhyme, and have your children repeat it aloud with you. Then have the children picture in their mind's eye the number of objects in each rhyme. You can also make flashcards with the equation on one side and the rhyme and the picture on the back of each card.
- 1 × 2: Picture the number "one" as a mirror that reflects back the number, in this case, number two.
- 2 × 2: "Two times two equals four boards on the floor."
- 2 × 3: "Two times three makes you flip six sticks."
- 2 × 4: "Two times four equals eight doors."
- 2 × 5: "Two times five equals ten hens."
- 2 × 6: "Two times six makes twelve bricks."
- 2 × 7: "Two times seven equals fourteen pens."
- 2 × 8: "Two times eight equals sixteen TV screens"
- 2 × 9: "Two times nine makes eighteen grape vines"
- 2 ×10: Simply use the "one" as a mirror and add a zero.
- 2 ×11: Again, you simply use the "ones" as "mirrors" giving you twenty-two.
- 2 ×12: One is a "mirror", giving you the first digit of "2"; leaving you with four boards on the floor (2 × 2).
After the rhyme is mastered, the images and rhymes will begin to fade and only the correct answer will be remembered. This is similar to what happens when children learn their "ABC" song; the song is forgotten and the memory of the letters is retained.
Continue to periodically review this rhyme with your children to reinforce their learning and you will be amazed how quickly they learn their multiplication tables with no fuss.
Blair Kasfeldt - Helping you with the best article on mnemonics (memory devices), theological issues and more. If you are facing a "memory problem" ...
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