November 1, 2018 Adbul

Multiplication Chart for Kids - Mnemonic Memorization is the New Way for Kids to Learn Multiplication Tables

How to Teach the Times Tables Fast! Discover how students can achieve mastery of the multiplication chart through the use of mnemonics.

Schools are starting to implement a new, unconventional way to teach students the times tables- and it works like magic! Utilizing rote memorization methods for multiplication chart mastery, is no longer the best option available. Learning through repetition is not only boring for most kids but also not very effective. However, there is a new system for children to achieve mastery of the times tables by incorporating mnemonics into math learning. This right-brain, visual learning system is not only a much faster and more efficient way for kids to conquer their times tables, but also teaches them a memorization tool they can use for a lifetime.

A multiplication chart can be daunting for any student. Many children can eventually master their times tables through the traditional rote memorization method, but it can literally take months of repetitive flashcard drills before satisfactory results are achieved. However, incorporating a mnemonic memory tool can be a fun and engaging way for students to quickly and effectively achieve mastery of the multiplication chart.

Below is an example of a basic 1-10 multiplication chart for kids. You will notice that the numbers in white on the chart are the math facts that most students find easy to recite. If the student gets stuck on remembering the answer, computation of these "easy facts" can be achieved through utilizing tools such as reverting to addition or through skip-counting for the 5 and 10 multiplication tables. However, the numbers on the chart in yellow are the math facts that most student typically find very challenging to master. These upper, pesky math facts have to be memorized as the answer cannot quickly be computed through reverting to addition, nor are they easily memorized through the use of skip-counting. By incorporating a mnemonic learning aid (such as the Times Tales® program) to master the upper, most difficult times tables, alleviates much time and frustration for many students and teachers.

How to Incorporate the Right-Brain/Left-Brain Multiplication Chart Learning Method:

When introducing the times tables chart, start with only the lower facts, the 5 times tables and the 10 times tables listed in white below. When mastery of the "easy" times tables has been achieved, then move on to the upper, "harder" math facts listed in yellow on the multiplication chart below. Many students will find this right-brain/left-brain approach to teaching the multiplication chart a successful and fast way to achieve proficiency in learning multiplication tables.

Old Multiplication Chart vs. The New Multiplication Chart

(example of a right-brain/left-brain multiplication chart)

The Old Way to Learn the Multiplication Chart

Traditionally, the multiplication chart has been presented as all facts being created as equal. This can prove to be problematic for many children. They may breeze through the lower math facts as those can easily be computed by reverting to addition if they get stuck on the answer. However, many children come to a stand still once they get to the upper multiplication facts. Traditionally, this is where rote memorization methods are incorporated with the goal of quick recall of the upper times tables. While rote, learning methods are successful for some children, there are many students that cannot easily achieve memorization of the upper times tables through a learning modality based upon repetition.

The New Way to Learn the Multiplication Chart

The new way for kids to master the multiplication chart breaks down the math facts into "easy facts" or "hard facts". Once a student is proficient at the lower facts, they can then tackle the upper multiplication tables using a mnemonic, memory aid for fast and easy recall of the answers. Many students, parents and teachers have found this way of teaching takes the stress part out of learning the multiplication chart. For children with dyscalculia and dyslexia, this method may prove to be the only method in which they can achieve success in learning the times tables. (Click the link below to see an independent study on the effectiveness of incorporating a mnemonic learning modality for children with learning disabilities).

Independently Published by Florida National University - Research showed an overall increase of 70% - 80% on test scores for children with learning disabilities using the Times Tales® method to master the times tables. Click to read report!

See our multiplication chart instructional youtube video which includes link to a free printable multiplication chart to follow along!

An Alternative Method for Children to Learn their Times Tables:

Times Tales® is one of the new ways that schools are teaching the multiplication tables. The upper, most difficult to memorize math facts, are being taught through a mnemonic memory system. This cuts hours of rote memorization down and is a highly effective and engaging way for kids to learn. It has proven great success with children with learning disabilities and Dyscalculia. (see statistical report on Times Tales effectiveness with learning disabilities)

Disclosure: This post is intended to provide information (both statistical and opinion based) about the effectiveness of the Times Tales® program and is intended for product marketing.

Learning multiplication tables has for years been what we would consider left-brain learning such as: processing numbers, analytical thinking and language. However, once a student learns the concept of multiplication, by far, the most fastest and effective ways for students to memorize the math facts is by incorporating the right-brain through visuals, imagination and emotions....yes, multiplication and emotions are a very good thing.

How Pictures, Emotions and Imagination Can Make a Child Master the Multiplication Tables:

When we normally think of multiplication, we visualize a set of numbers on a grid. Through rote memorization (coupled with time...lots of time!) children eventually are able to fill out the multiplication tables' grid as the numbers magically appear in their memory. But what if the memory fails to spit out the number? Unless the student can revert back to addition (try that with 7x8), they won't be able to compute the answer.

There's a new way to memorize the upper multiplication facts through a system that utilizes mnemonics for memorization. For those that aren't familiar with mnemonics, in the most simple of terms, it's a memory "peg" that triggers the brain to remember something. For example, when you meet someone new, you associate their name with someone with that name you already know, like your neighbor Joe. When you see new Joe, you have pictured old neighbor Joe in association with him, which triggers the name. Voila! Joe and Joe are now combined and won't be forgotten very easily.

So what does old neighbor Joe have to do with the multiplications tables?

They can both be saved in a memory bank that isn't set to be deleted right after the information is stored. This multiplication magic is set into action in the right brain. Once you incorporate the math facts with right-brain, visuals and attach a story to the numbers (mixed with a little emotion about the story) that math fact is stored indefinitely in the memory banks.

Watch video (below) to learn how to use mnemonics to teach students how to easily memorize the times tables!

This mnemonic method for learning multiplication tables has proven so effective that many schools within the US are switching to this way to teach their classroom the multiplication tables.

Multiplication Resources to help your student master the multiplication chart: A teacher explains how children can incorporate mnemonics to effortlessly memorize the upper times tables.