Multiplication is one of the fundamental concepts in mathematics, and it’s essential for students to have a good understanding of it for their academic success. Unfortunately, learning multiplication can be a challenging task for some students, and teachers must apply creative teaching methods to make the process easier and enjoyable.
One of the strategies that teachers can use to teach multiplication facts is teaching students how to use one multiplication fact to complete another. This technique involves using known multiplication facts to solve unknown multiplication problems quickly. Here are some activities that teachers can use to teach students to use one multiplication fact to complete another:
Create Flashcards
Flashcards are an excellent way for students to drill multiplication facts. Teachers can create flashcards using the multiplication table, with one side displaying the known multiplication fact and the other side displaying the unknown factor. For instance, the teacher may write 6 × 8 = 48 on one side and blank × 8 = 48 on the other side. Students can use their knowledge of 6 × 8 to complete the missing factor.
Multiplication War
Multiplication War is a game that involves two players and a set of cards with multiplication facts. Each player draws a card, and the player who can solve the multiplication problem first gets to keep the card. If both players solve the problem simultaneously, the player with the highest product wins the card. The player with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner.
Multiplication Bump
Multiplication Bump is a game that requires a game board and two dice. Players take turns rolling the dice and multiplying the numbers that appear on the dice. Players then place a marker on the product on the game board. If another player lands on that product, they can bump the other player’s marker off the board. However, if a player lands on a product they have already marked, they can stack their marker on top of the previous marker. The first player to place all their markers on the board is the winner.
Multiplication Bingo
Multiplication Bingo is a fun game that reinforces multiplication facts. The teacher provides each student with a bingo card, which contains different multiplication problems. The teacher then draws multiplication problems from a bag and calls out the products. Students who have the called product on their card mark it off. The first student to get five marked squares in a row calls out “Bingo” and wins.
Conclusion
Teaching students to use one multiplication fact to complete another is an effective way to help them memorize multiplication facts. Teachers can also use this strategy to develop problem-solving skills in students. The activities listed above are just a few examples of how teachers can make the learning process fun, engaging, and effective for students. By incorporating these activities into their teaching, teachers can create a positive learning environment where students can learn multiplication facts while having fun.
