Multiplication Table Tests and Test-Taking Strategies

How Can My Child Prepare for Multiplication Table Tests?

It's best to choose preparation techniques based on your child's temperament and needs. Some children benefit from drills, like using flashcards or worksheets. You can buy flashcards, or you could make them with your child, adding an extra element of study. On one side of a note card, write a multiplication problem, and have your child write the answer on the other side.

If your child won't benefit from multiplication drills, you might try reviewing with a more entertaining activity, like a game. For instance, you could make a tic-tac-toe board, and fill each box with a multiplication problem. To claim a box, you and your child can trade off solving problems.

Alternatively, you could play a card game. Draw two cards from a deck, and multiply the numbers (you can use face cards to practice higher numbers, like 11 and 12). If a player answers correctly, he keeps the cards; if not, they go back into the deck. Whoever has more cards at the end of the game wins.

Regardless of how you practice with your child, make sure your practice sessions are frequent and consistent. Even ten minutes each night can be beneficial.

Getting Ready for Timed Tests

Some kids are intimidated by multiplication tests because they tend to be timed. Help your child become used to the process by doing practice tests at home. Create a sample test using multiplication facts between 0 and 12, and establish a quiet place for your child to take the test. This type of practice can help your child increase his speed and confidence.

Remind your child that quality is better than quantity, so he should try to answer the problems correctly rather than trying to answer as many as possible. Also, since some kids may be preoccupied by how many problems the kids around them are answering, be sure to remind your child prior to test day that he should ignore everyone else and concentrate on completing his own work.

Practice Multiplication Test

1. 2 x 3

2. 7 x 1

3. 8 x 8

4. 9 x 5

5. 4 x 4

6. 10 x 3

7. 3 x 7

8. 5 x 4

9. 1 x 1

10. 0 x 8