Memorizing Multiplication Tables May 27 2017, 1 Comment

The Importance Of Memorizing The Times Tables

We all know that learning multiplication is an essential part of our child's primary education. Students who have mastered multiplication gain a solid foundation in mathematics that will help them throughout middle school, high school and beyond. The following are the answer to common questions that parents ask in my multiplication tables.

Why does my child need to memorize the times tables?

Just like learning to walk before you can run, learning multiplication and memorizing the times tables are building blocks for other math topics taught in school - higher learning such as division, long multiplication, fractions and algebra. Students who have not memorized the times tables will find these levels of math much more difficult than they need to be. Students who have not mastered their tables will very often fall behind in math (and other subjects that use math) and begin to loose confidence.

Knowing your multiplication facts is helpful not only in academics; we frequently use multiplication in our daily lives. We might need it when grocery shopping, comparing different offers, determining a discount at a store or figuring out our expected arrival time when traveling. Math calculations are subconscious elements in work, play and daily chores. Knowing the times tables can help simple tasks to be performed rapidly and save time and stress.

Once these are truly mastered, they will stay with you for the rest of your life. So the simple message today is 6 * 7 = 42 and all others will make your whole life easier

Why can't they just use a calculator?

Calculators are great tools for figuring out complex calculations. However, students who rely on calculators are also weak in estimating skills and are unaware of wrong answers that occur from keying mistakes. Furthermore, calculators are not allowed in many tests and admission exams. If your child depended on a calculator to do all the work, they would end up being stuck if they need to carry out simple sums without one.

What is more important understanding or memorization and how can I help with both?

Children need to understand the times tables and they also need to memorize them. It's not one or the other, it's both.

Early on, a student needs to understand what multiplication is - the grouping of sets, repeated addition, a faster way of adding. Help kids to understand this with help of manipulative, by skip counting and by using arrays.

As they master the basics, there eventually comes a time when we need to highlight the importance of rapid recall. Students need to know that they should recall the answer instantaneously. Demonstrate the speed of this by having them quiz you and by practicing together.

Encourage and support your child rather than getting frustrated and angry when they have difficulty in memorizing the tables.

The boring task of memorization can be made more fun through music, games and activities that reinforce repetition of the math facts. Playing games that helps in faster recall of multiplication tables is the best way to motivate kids and keep them interested. Playing with your child to complete this goal can be a bonding time. You will also have the opportunity to help them learn the important life skills of memorization and goal setting.

How Parents Can Help Their Child Memorize the Times Tables

1. Make sure there is understanding of multiplication as concept.
2. Explain why it is important.
3. Provide encouragement along the way.
4. Spend quality time together playing educational games.
5. Acknowledge their success.
6. And most importantly: Have fun!