​Mastering the times tables is a pivotal milestone in a student's mathematical journey. For visual learners, traditional rote memorization may not be the most effective approach. Instead, employing engaging, visual strategies can make learning multiplication both enjoyable and successful. Here’s a comprehensive guide to teaching multiplication using visual learning methods in three easy steps.

"​The Times Tales story-based method was a Game-Changer for my son!"

Combining visual and kinesthetic learning modalities reinforces the concept of multiplication, especially for right-brain learners. Using manipulatives like LEGO® bricks or marbles, or drawing pictorial representations, can solidify understanding.​

Grouping Exercise:

Write various multiplication facts on index cards. Place them face down next to a pile of small items (e.g., LEGO® bricks, marbles).​

The student draws a card and uses the items to create groups representing the multiplication fact. For instance, if the card reads 4×3, they would form four groups of three items each.​

To reinforce the commutative property, have the student rearrange the items to show three groups of four, demonstrating that 4×3 and 3×4 yield the same product.​

This exercise can also be adapted by having the student draw visual groupings on paper, catering to different learning preferences.

CLICK on link below to try this method with your child!

For most students, the upper times tables are the most challenging to master. This is because the upper math facts cannot be easily computed using addition. At this point many teachers and home educators have found students will come to a complete halt in their advancement of mastering the multiplication chart, as these upper facts are recalled mostly through memorization.

Although traditional left-brain memorization through rote (repetitive) methods does work on some level, for many this mode of learning is not very effective. Any teacher that has taught the multiplication chart to her classroom will tell you that knowing the facts one day, does not mean the students will remember them the next. In fact, the opposite is often true since there is nothing to anchor the information in order to make the math facts “stick”.

The good news is that many educators are switching to a more effective right-brain approach to learning the multiplication chart. Although the memory tool of mnemonics has been around for years (and is commonly utilized by medical students for memorization of difficult terms), it is only now beginning to get attention for its effectiveness as a better way to retain new information. This right-brain memory tool is not only highly effective as a fast and efficient way to conquer learning the times tables, but it also has proven highly successful for visual learners with challenges such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Mnemonic Method of Memorization Exercise: Students can learn how to use a visual memorization tool called mnemonics to memorize 9x6, 9x7, 9x8 and 9x9 in just 15 minutes! Click on this link for the free sample demonstration. 

For a practical demonstration of this approach, consider exploring resources like Times Tales®, which utilize storytelling to teach upper multiplication facts effectively.​By integrating these visual learning strategies, students can grasp and retain multiplication concepts more effectively, transforming what can be a daunting task into an engaging and successful learning experience.

This blog post was written to provide information about visual learning methods and for the promotion of Times Tales.