Today's Target: Multiplication

Our eldest has just started being interested in learning times tables - he can rote count 2,4,6,8 or 5,10,15,20 or 10,20,30,40,50 etc but now he is beginning to understand the concept behind the counting in 2s, 5s and 10s.



So - 1 x 2 is 2, 2 x 2 is 4, 3 x 2 is 6, 4 x 2 is 8 etc or 2, 4, 6, 8 or some other method? Which is the best way for children to learn their multiplication tables? I think the answer is use as many different methods as possible (and have fun).

Some children will find it really easy to memorise the rote chant of the times tables but it is important to ensure that they understand the underlying maths fact that 4x2 = 2+2+2+2 and that it is the same as 2x4.



Some of the other things we have been doing (apart from the chanting!)

• pairing socks: counting the pairs / individual socks - a pair = 2 socks, 2 pairs = 4 socks, 3 pairs = 6 socks etc
• sorting for three children: the number in each bowl x 3 is the number altogether

Please add a comment let us know any ideas you have!