Easter Multiplication Facts With Boom Cards. Ideas include different strategies to teach multiplication facts or the times tables.
How to teach multiplication facts or how to teach the times tables?
This is perhaps the question we reflect upon when we first begin teaching our students multiplication facts or the times tables. But before we look into the different strategies involved, let’s answer a few more questions:
Why is it so important for students to know their times tables?
Knowing the times tables gives students knowledge and confidence when it comes to computing larger numbers. Besides working with equivalent fractions, division problems, or factors and multiples, for that matter, require sound knowledge of multiplication facts.
In what grade should students learn multiplication facts?
The ideal grade to learn the times tables is in grade 3, however, 2nd graders who have sound conceptual knowledge may also be taught some multiplication facts.
Should we have students learn the times tables by rote?
Memorizing the times tables is effective when it comes to recalling multiplication facts quickly. However, before students memorize times tables facts, they need to conceptualize their understanding of the multiplication fact in question.
There are several ways this can be done. Let’s look at these Easter-themed multiplication fact cards.
1. Using arrays to represent Easter multiplication facts With Boom Cards
An array is a useful representation of a multiplication concept. It is an arrangement of pictures or objects in rows or columns. In this Easter multiplication facts array, there are 3 rows and 8 columns. It is known as a 3 by 8 array. It visually represents the multiplication fact 3×8 to give the product of 24.
2. Using equal groups to represent Easter multiplication facts
We can also visually represent a multiplication fact by showing objects in equal groups. In this Easter multiplication facts example, there are three equal groups with twelve bunny peeps in each group, for a total of 36 bunny peeps. This visual representation can be interpreted with the multiplication sentence 3×12=36.
3. Relating Easter Multiplication Facts to Repeated Addition
Understanding the concept of repeated addition is one way of relating multiplication to addition. In this example, we can add the number 7 three times to get the product 21. We can also times 7 by 3 to get the same product of 21.
We can point out to students that using a multiplication fact is a far better alternative to adding the number 7 three times to arrive at the product.
4. Finding the Missing Factor In a Multiplication Sentence
This strategy requires students to identify the multiplication times table that has the two given numbers in the fact. In the Easter multiplication facts example below, students will identify the numbers 7 and 56 in the seven times tables to find the missing factor 8. Thus knowing the product and one of the factors make it easier to identify the missing factor in a multiplication sentence.
5. Working out the Square of a Number
Listing squares of numbers is another useful way of understanding times tables facts. In the example, the number 9 is multiplied by itself to give the product of 81. This concept can be shown visually by placing 9 objects in 9 groups and then adding the number in each group or skip counting in nines.
6. Listing the Multiples
A multiple is a number that can be divided by another number a certain number of times without a remainder. In the example, to find the first three multiples of 8, students will skip-count by 8 or multiply 8 by 1,2, and 3 to arrive at 8, 16, and 24.
Once students have concrete knowledge of multiplication facts after working with arrays, missing factors and equal groups, only then should they memorize the times tables. Memorization helps in faster recall of multiplication facts to solve given problems.
If you haven’t tried Boom Learning yet, you simply must! Your students will love the interactive aspect. Besides, you have student data readily available to analyse and dictate further teaching and learning.
Easter Multiplication Facts Boom Cards Freebie
If you would like your students to have a better understanding of multiplication facts before they rote learn the times tables, then try this free Easter Multiplication Facts Boom Cards Deck. Perhaps students will find it all the more motivating, as there are Easter multiplication facts-themed visuals.
Looking for a free bar graph activity that involves doing math in the outdoors, then read all about Bar Graphs and Pictographs.
