The Christian EducatorA publication of North Valley Baptist Schools
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Monster Multiplication
By Cheryl Harter
Monsters, Monsoons, and Multiplication! All three can be big and bad, unless much preparation has been done. In the case of multiplication, much preparation and practice must be used to conquer it.
Third graders need to have most or all of their multiplication tables (0-12) learned and memorized by the fourth grade. This skill will be a big help and confidence booster as they transition into the upper elementary math classes.
Curriculum is a great help in introducing the wonderful facts of math, but the teacher must be the one who is ready with other sources and methods of making multiplication fun and exciting. Extra drill sheets, facts quiz, and special games can make this learning time more enjoyable. The following are a few games I have found to be helpful:
· Pop-up games – Use fact cards with this game. It wakes everyone up and gets the blood pumping!
· Dot to Dot game – Make a grid of dots. In the empty spaces, place multiplication problem. Once a student has completed a square on the grid and can answer the fact, they are allowed to initial the square. This is a great game for two students to play together once their work is completed. This is also useful for one-on-one game time.
· Interactive Bulletin Boards – A bulletin board in my classroom has a spring theme with a multiplication emphasis. The students will be able to match laminated flower heads with the problems on the leaves and stems. It is fun individually or as teams. We are also making a BIG multiplication fact table with removable numbers. Students will use this to quiz themselves, and they will be able to use it as a classroom game.
Parents will also play a key role in helping students to excel. The following are suggestions to give to your parents:
· Flashcards – Every family should own their own set. Flashcards should be paired with incentives; otherwise they may tend to become dull very quickly.
· Computer games – They are fun and inexpensive, but are only useful if they are used! (www.multiplication.com)
· Baking – Kids love it and one can talk about multiplication problems as dough is being put on the cookie sheet. This process is great for a kinesthetic learner.
· Egg cartons - A wonderful tool to talk about any problem all the way up to the 12 facts!
Use any small food pieces or objects. (i.e. beans, paper clips, candy, cereal)
Make sets in the egg sections (i.e. 2 sets of 3 represents 2x3, 5 sets of 6 represents 5x6).
This process will help both visual and kinesthetic learners.
Multiplication doesn't have to be a monster! Have the students use a *personal check-off list to see for themselves how much they know! Sometimes, those big Monsters can make for some special colorful learning tools!
*www.googolpower.com
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About the Author
Cheryl Harter is the third grade teacher for North Valley Baptist Schools. She graduated from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 1985, with a B.S. in Elementary Education. While at MBBC she enjoyed playing Volleyball and Softball all four years at the inter-collegiate level. After college, Cheryl taught at San Francisco Christian School in the second, third, and fourth grades. She is married with five wonderful children, all of whom currently attend NVBS. Cheryl and her husband have been at North Valley Baptist Church for twenty-one years. The last ten of those years, Cheryl has had the privilege and joy of playing piano and teaching in the Primary Bus Kids Church.
