How to learn a Multiplication in Minutes

The basic foundation to Maths is knowing your times tables.

The ability to recall numbers (Mental Maths) helps a student build self confidence with numbers and it is an empowering skill that motivates and instills in the student the knowledge that he/she is able to do Maths.

One method to learn a multiplication is by Visual Memorization. I have students who have mastered a multiplication within minutes.

This is my method of teaching Visual Memorization and I will be using the 2 times tables as my example.

Step 1:

Write the first 5 answers to the 2 times tables on stickers.

Step 2:

Stick the stickers onto the left hand of the student starting from left to right.

Step 3:

Ask the student to read out the numbers three times.

Step 4:

Cover the hand and ask them to recall to numbers.

Step 5:

Repeat if necessary until the student recalls the numbers with ease and confidence.

Step 6:

Write the next 5 answers to the 2 times tables on stickers and stick them onto the right hand.

Step 7:

Repeat steps 3-5.

Step 8:

Write the last 2 answers to the 2 times tables on stickers and stick them as below.

Step 9:

Repeat steps 3-5.

Step 10:

Praise and reward the student for being a star!