Fun with Facts! Part Two

3. Make It Easier:

The higher up in the times tables you go, the harder it may seem to learn the facts. Yet, there are really very few new facts to learn as you go up. In fact, there is only one fact that has an answer in the 80's (9x9=81). There is also only one in the 70's (8x9=72). There are two in the 60's (8x8=64 and 9x7=63) and only two in the 50's (7x8=56 and 9x6=54). Focusing on these few facts makes learning them easier.

Finally, here is a great game for practicing those facts with your class. My top level 4th grade math students LOVED it!

Clapping Game

The clapping game is a fun way for students to review and practice the multiplication tables.

To play:

1. Have students stand behind their chairs.

2. Choose a times table for the round (for example, the 6-times table).

3. In turn, have students name numbers beginning with one, until coming to a number which is a product in the selected times table. In that case, the student should clap instead of saying the number. The count-off for the 6 times table would begin as follows: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, clap, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, clap, etc. Have students continue counting around the class until the ending number for the round has been reached (for example 6x12=72). This ending number should be decided upon before the round begins depending upon the level of the students.

4. If a student incorrectly claps, or names a number which should be clapped, he must sit out for the rest of the round.

5. Continue to practice products of various times tables in this manner.

Have some fun with those facts, and your students will learn them in no time!

Copyright 2002 Irene Taylor All rights reserved.

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