Make math fun.
Elementary school children need to learn multiplication facts. Memorization of facts can be a tedious task for children. When your child tires of practicing flash cards, you can spice up the practice with simple games to encourage him. If your child does not like competition, you might want to have him play the games alone with your supervision. However, if he enjoys the challenge of a little competition, encourage friends or siblings to join in the activity.
Earn a Black Belt
Use colored paperclips.
Purchase a set of colored paperclips. Be sure that there are at least nine different colors in the set, including white and black. The child will receive a different color paperclip for each set of multiplication facts that he masters. The color sequence is not important, except that the child earns a white clip for the x1 facts and a black clip for x9 facts. As each clip is earned, it is secured to the others until the final black one is earned. When all clips have been earned, the child can connect them in a circle to wear as a bracelet, declaring he is now a "black belt" in multiplication facts. Practicing to earn each new clip can include flash card practice, computer games or worksheets. The important part of this game is to motivate the child to study the facts.
Multiplication Bingo
Create bingo cards for this multiplication game. Make a 25-square grid with five squares across and five squares down. Make the center square a "FREE" space. In the other squares, write in answers to the basic multiplication facts. As you make a variety of bingo cards, include all answers to facts through the x9 facts. Create a set of calling cards to be used by the "caller." These cards should have the basic facts written on them. You can also purchase a set of multiplication flash cards to use as your calling cards. Give each child a pile of small plastic chips, beans or even small candies to use as covering pieces. The "caller" calls the multiplication fact. Any player who has the answer on his card may cover it. The winner of the game is the one who covers five answers in a row.
Pick Two
Remove the face cards.
Remove all face cards from a regular deck of playing cards. For this game the value of the aces is 1. Deal 20 cards out face-down on a table. Children take turns turning over two cards at a time. The child must multiply the numbers on the cards and give the answer. If correct, she may keep the cards. If incorrect, she replaces the cards, and the next child takes a turn. When all cards have been taken, the one with the most cards is the winner.
Multiplication Scramble
Wash an empty egg carton thoroughly. Write the numerals 1 through 9 in the bottom of the carton with a permanent marker. You will need to repeat three digits. Place two marbles in the carton and close the lid. Shake the carton. Open the lid. Give the product (answer) of the two digits.
Flip It Over
Remove the face cards from a deck of cards. Shuffle the cards. Deal all of the cards out to two players. Cards should be placed face-down in front of the players. When cued, each player turns up one card. The first player to correctly give the answer to the two numbers multiplied together gets the cards. The player with the most cards wins.
Tags: multiplication facts, face cards, Remove face, Remove face cards, bingo cards, calling cards, cards from