Multiplication Techniques for Children

Helping Your Child Learn about Multiplication

Children typically learn basic multiplication in early elementary and continue studying it throughout middle and high school. Most children begin learning multiplication by memorizing the basic facts. Then, they move on to more advanced multiplication, which includes multiplying multi-digit numbers, decimals and fractions. Learning multiplication techniques is part of this process.

Begin by, talking to his or her math teacher or any other education professionals working with your child to find out what he or she struggles with the most. There's a fair chance that they can give you the information you need about your child's progress, as well as multiplication techniques to try at home. There's also a variety websites that have free multiplication resources for children. The following are a few techniques you might consider using.

Techniques for Single-Digit Numbers

Flash cards can be enormously useful for helping your child learn and memorize multiplication facts and techniques. If your child is in early elementary school, you can use the flash cards to teach the basic multiplication facts. You can also post a chart of multiplication facts in a prominent area of your home.

For many single-digit numbers, there are simple rules that your child can memorize. For example, any number multiplied by 1 stays the same. Any number multiplied by 0 equals 0. Any number multiplied by 5 will end with either 5 or 0 (e.g., 3 x 5 = 15 and 4 x 5 = 20). Teaching your child these tricks can help him or her gain both confidence and speed.

Multiplication and Division

Teaching your child multiplication and division at the same time can often help him or her get a leg up. This will help your child understand early on that that these concepts are two sides of the same coin. For example, when you demonstrate to your child that '4 x 2 = 8', be sure to also show your child that '8 ÷ 2 = 2'.

Multiplying Fractions

When you are teaching your child to multiply using decimals and fractions, start with small, simple fractions like '1/2 x 1/2'. Teach you child to multiply the top and bottom separately. Since '1 x 1 = 1' and '2 x 2 = 4', the solution to the problem is 1/4. By breaking the problem down to its basics, your child will probably be able to grasp it with less confusion.