MULTIPLICATION FACT FLUENCY

Multiplication Fact Fluency

In order for children to grow academically in math with concepts such as number sense, problem solving skills, algebra skills, and other higher order math concepts, students need to be fluent in their basic multiplication facts. Memorization of facts 1 through (and including) 12, are the building blocks for higher order, more challenging math concepts that students eventually learn. Students who struggle with multiplication fact fluency will find higher math concepts such as long multiplication, long division, and fractions harder and more difficult than they need to be.

Multiplication fact fluency is not just necessary for math class, but for life situations as well. Using measurements in a recipe and having to double it or split them in half uses multiplication facts. Figuring out sale prices at stores or figuring out how long it will take to get to a destination requires the use of multiplication facts, as well. Knowing the basic times tables will take away the stress of taking the time to make calculations or relying on a calculator.

At Jill Abrams Tutoring, we find that skipping counting is a great first step in helping your child learn multiplication facts. Memorizing skip counting helps tremendously with their multiplication fluency. Most children know how to skip count by 5s or 10s, but not as with many children can skip count by 3s or 4s. Memorizing a few facts a day, practicing every day, and playing fun multiplication games, such as bingo, helps to make the process less daunting and all fun!