Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving math problems with multiplication? If so, keep reading.
1. Provide the student with alternative math facts. As the student shows success, slowly introduce more components of the regular tasks.
2. Select a peer to model how to solve multiplication problems for the student.
3. Ask the student a question when they are most likely to be able to respond successfully.
4. Provide information to the student on a one-to-one basis or use a peer tutor.
5. Create a math facts reference sheet for multiplication for the student to use at their desk when solving math problems.
6. Talk about and give the student a list of words and phrases that usually indicate a multiplication operation (e.g., area, each, times, product, double, triple, twice, etc.).
7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.
8. Get the student to use a calculator for drill of basic multiplication facts.
9. Get the student to check all math work. Praise the student for each error they correct.
10. Get the student to practice the multiplication tables each day with a peer using flash cards.
11. Get the student to be a tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student.
12. Get the student to count by equal distances on a number line. Show that the equal distances represent skip counting, which is the concept of multiplication.
13. Get the student to independently solve half their multiplication problems each day. Let them use a calculator to address the other half of the task as reinforcement.
14. Get the student to perform timed drills with multiplication facts as reinforcement. The student “competes” against their own best time.
15. Get the student to solve multiplication problems by manipulating objects and stating the process(es) involved.
16. Get the student to talk through math problems as they solve them to find errors they are making.
17. Get the student to use a calculator to reinforce the process of multiplication. Get the student to solve several multiplication problems each day using a calculator.
18. Find specific multiplication problems the student fails to solve correctly. Target those problems for additional instruction, tutoring, and drill learning activities .
19. Provide all instructions, questions, and explanations in a clear, concise manner and at an appropriate rate for the student.
20. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.
21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.
22. Try gamifying your math lessons.
23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:
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