Teaching Multiplication

The old rote memory method of teaching multiplication tables is one of the least effective ways of teaching children (or adults) the tables. There is a new system that is meeting with more success... Some of the higher numbers may still be memorized, but the lower ones can be related to addition.

Multiplication is simply repeated addition. This is an alternative method to the old rote memory method of teaching multiplication tables. In this lesson, you teach the child that 3x5 = 3+3+3+3+3. Sometimes the repeated addition problems are easier for the child to get his head around than multiplication.

The Zero's Theory mathematically says that

0 x 3 = 0 + 0 + 0 = 0 and 0 x 7 = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 0

Because of the commutative property of multiplication:
0 x 4 = 4 x 0 = 0 and 0 x 9 = 9 x 0 = 0

Also, any number times zero is always zero.

The One's Theory. Multiplication is repeated addition so:
1 x 4 = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4

Because of the commutative property of multiplication:
1 x 4 = 4 x 1 = 4

Any number times one is always itself.

Additional helpful methods:

Helping the Child Learn Basic Multiplication Facts

Sometimes the student simply fails to learn basic multiplication facts. 4 x 7 = 28. You memorized that in school, right? But if a child has difficulty memorizing, you can teach the child to figure out what the product is by having him visualize or draw a rectangular array.

This is actually a simple process. If the product is 4 x 7, the student will draw four rows of seven dots, and then count them. They do need to be neat when they draw the rows, or they may not be able to count the dots accurately.

Here is what the “rectangular array” for 4x7 looks like:

   o   o   o   o   o   o   o
o   o   o   o   o   o   o
o   o   o   o   o   o   o
o   o   o   o   o   o   o

Make sure that the child wants to get the answer right. This is sometimes the biggest problem. Be sure that your pupil or child believes that being able to figure out the single digit multiplication facts will make it easier to solve multiple-digit problems, too.

Have the child practice a variety of ways to solve the problems they're faced with now, and have them find one they're comfortable with.

As a teacher or parent, you also need to be flexible in teaching multiplication. Don't criticize your pupil or child for drawing a visual aid. As long as they reach the correct answer, the way they get there shouldn't be an issue.