Remember learning multiplication? For many of us, it meant repeating times tables over and over, hoping they’d stick. It may have felt tiring, and maybe you even remember the frustration of forgetting certain facts. Now, think about how your child might feel as they face those same tables.
Our approach to multiplication is different—we start with understanding what multiplication really means before jumping into memorization. This way, kids can see patterns, make connections, and truly “get” multiplication. Here are some simple strategies to make times tables more approachable (and even fun!). Don’t forget to grab our free timed practice sheet at the end to test their skills!
#1 Spot Patterns in Multiplication
Multiplication is full of patterns, and finding these makes it so much easier to learn. For example, the 5s table always ends in 0 or 5, and the 9s have a cool trick where the digits of each product add up to 9 (like in 9 x 2 = 18, and 1 + 8 = 9). Learning to see patterns helps kids remember facts naturally.
- Start with Patterns in the 5s and 2s: These tables are great places to begin. After getting comfortable with them, move on to the 4s and other tables. Kids start recognizing connections, like how 2 x 4 and 4 x 2 give the same answer, building confidence with each table.
#2 Break Down Larger Facts into Smaller Parts
Sometimes, bigger multiplication problems can be made easier by breaking them down. This method shows kids they don’t have to memorize huge tables all at once—they can use smaller parts to get to the answer.
- Example: For 4 x 8, think of it as 4 x 4, then double it. This trick reinforces understanding while making the problem easier to handle.
#3 Build Number Sense with Number Bonds
Understanding how numbers work together is a big part of learning multiplication. Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up or multiply to create a bigger number. Recognizing these relationships helps kids break down multiplication problems and understand factors, which is why number bonds are so important.
- Freebie Alert: Download our number bond worksheet, which includes simple exercises to help kids practice grouping numbers together. This foundation is key for mastering multiplication, and it builds the flexibility they’ll need for future math.
#4 Use Flashcards (or Digital Flashcards) to Track Progress
Flashcards are fantastic for building confidence, especially when kids can see their progress. Resources like Quizlet allow you to create digital flashcards so students can practice anywhere. Keep the cards they know in one stack, and set aside the ones they’re still working on.
- Tip: As they master each fact, they’ll feel proud watching their “know-it” stack grow. Use blanks on some cards, like 2 x ___ = 8, to introduce division at the same time and reinforce both operations.
#5 Practice Visualizing with a Multiplication Chart
A multiplication chart does more than show answers; it helps kids see that multiplication has patterns. For example, they’ll notice that 3 x 4 is the same as 4 x 3, so they’re really learning two facts at once! This understanding saves them from memorizing as many individual facts and builds their number sense.
- How to Use It: Explore tables like the 5s, 2s, and 4s to spot patterns. Point out how numbers mirror each other, helping them understand that order doesn’t change the product.
#6 Use Skip Counting to Visualize Multiplication
Skip counting is a helpful strategy for seeing multiplication as adding equal groups. Using objects or drawings, skip counting becomes visual, so kids start “seeing” multiplication in action.
- Try This: Use small toys or drawings to count by 2s, 3s, or other numbers. By moving objects in groups, kids start to understand multiplication as adding equal groups.
#7 Multiplication Games: Multiplication War and Roll and Multiply
Learning multiplication is much more fun with games. Games like Multiplication War and Roll and Multiply help kids practice without the pressure of a test.
- How to Play: For Multiplication War, each player flips two cards, multiplies the numbers, and the player with the higher product wins. In Roll and Multiply, use two dice, multiply the numbers, or add a challenge by rolling three dice. These games help kids practice tables while keeping things fun and light.
#8 Test Their Skills with a Timed Practice Sheet
Timed practice sheets are a great way to track progress and build speed with multiplication facts. Our free printable lets kids see how many multiplication problems they can solve in one minute.
- Freebie Alert: Download our one-minute multiplication challenge sheet! Kids can complete as many problems as possible in a minute, then try to beat their own score next time. It’s a fun way to practice, and they’ll love seeing their speed and accuracy improve over time.
With these strategies, learning multiplication becomes more than memorizing—it’s about understanding how numbers work together. Try these tips with your child, and don’t forget to grab our free practice worksheets to support their learning. Happy multiplying!
