Multiplication

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Home : 2005 : March : 22

Multiplication
By Bob

I find the following to be most useful in multiplication lessons.

Base 10 blocks. Much of my teaching in multiplication and division is referenced to our work in arrays, including lessons in grouping and repeated addition/subtraction.
You might want to do a search on ProTeacher for a previous posting I made of ideas that have helped me.
Mnemonics. I started with a book, I think it's Times Tables [or Multiplication] the Fun Way, and took off from there. Example: 7 is the scooter that Nurse 9 rides to rescue a "sick tree" (63).
I rarely find students learn the facts totally from this type of mnemonics,

but it does help.

The book Raps & Rhymes in Maths; Baker, Ann and Johnny; Heinemann Educational Books, Inc., Portsmouth, NH; 1991. I especially like the chant, p. 64, "Biscuits." Instead of the "Yeah, yeah," line, we say the arithmetic fact.

I HIGHLY recommend reading the book, How Big Is the Moon?: Whole Maths in Action; Baker, Dave et al.; also Heinemann; 1990. (I'm not necessarily a whole maths teacher, but this book is well worth reading. I integrate guided enquiry based primarily on this book's research).

Guided enquiry. Students have to do the math, not just imitate the math. Total inquiry can lead into too many rabbit trails most current standards cannot handle time wise.

My favorite search indexes are and . For a challenging story problem, look at archives on "Aunty Math". My students love these stories.
often has ideas and information I can't find anywhere else. (It's primarily designed for church affiliated schools, but most of the websites indexed are applicable to any schools).