Practice, memorization, and games are key for fourth grade multiplication and division.
Learning multiplication and division facts can be difficult for even the best fourth grade student. In the fourth grade, students will learn to memorize basic multiplication facts and have a general understanding of basic division. Multiplication and division facts will be further reinforced when students advance to fifth grade math. There are enjoyable techniques that can guarantee a fourth grader's success.
Real-World Multiplication and Division Exercises
Practicing multiplication and division facts in real-world situations can help fourth graders learn math facts. Eduplace, a resource for educators developed by Houghton Mifflin, has identified four common situations for fourth graders to practice multiplication and division facts. Equal groups, for example, involve a store selling balls in boxes of six. If you bought three boxes, how many balls did you buy? Arrays and area involve calculating objects in a space and areas of shapes, such as rectangles. Comparisons ask students to divide and multiply numbers, draw comparison bars, and visualize differences. Combinations help students understand multiplication facts in a different way.
Timed Multiplication Tests
The University of Chicago Mathematics Project notes that beginning in the fourth grade, students will take timed tests of multiplication facts. To prepare for these timed sessions, fourth graders can practice multiplication facts with flash cards that contain basic multiplication facts. These can be practiced at home or school. These flash cards encourage the memorization of facts that are needed for timed exams.
What's Your Name Game
Memorizing a set of multiplication facts can be difficult and frustrating for fourth graders. Combining learning with entertainment can be successful for your students in learning fourth grade math. A fun way to learn multiplication is by playing games. Play the game "What's Your Name?" by making name tags that contain a multiplication problem. Each student wears a name tag that has a different problem, such as seven multiplied by five. For that day, students are not called by their names. When a student wants to speak with someone, he must call that student by his answer to the mathematical problem.
Silly Songs
Developing chants, songs and sayings can help fourth grade students learn multiplication facts. Clever rhymes can aid in memorization. For example, "seven times nine is 49. Don't bend down and hurt your spine." Parents and educators can encourage their fourth grade students to develop songs for difficult multiplication facts and have the class vote for its favorite song. Practicing multiplication facts and having fun can go hand in hand using this technique.
Tags: multiplication facts, fourth grade, division facts, fourth grade students, fourth graders