The Bare Essentiala Of Memorising Multiplication Tables}
Posted in Family on February 28th, 2011 by authorOne of the basic building blocks of maths is multiplication. Learning the times tables is a vital part of arithmetic. As with other subjects some children might take easily to learning their multiplication tables while others might find it more of a challenge – sometimes even a struggle.
Teachers often depend on parents to help and support struggling children at home – often via rote practicing of the times tables. However, this isn’t always effective and parents can grow frustrated, leading them to question whether multiplication tables really are that important.
Is it?
The answer is YES. Learning the times tables is very important.
Why?
Memorising the multiplication tables prepares children for the future stages of maths. These future stages involve more challenging calculations that bring in division – both short and long – as well as more complicated mathematics.
If the child is deprived of the essential understanding of their times tables, then they are likely to struggle terribly with their maths as they progress through school.
Long division and two-digit multiplication will be daunting and challenging for children who do not possess a solid grasp of their multiplication tables.
Bearing this in mind, we can confidently conclude that the times tables are essential to learning. Without them a child’s confidence and capability will be lost.
It’s also important to consider all the other areas in life where we use multiplication. Our everyday life is full of examples. From domestic situations such as cooking to the calculation of bills and the managing of finances. Even out when we’re shopping or dining!
All of these necessary and everyday tasks are made easier and achieved faster when one knows their times tables.Now, these valid points make sense to any adult, but a struggling child will need a little more encouragement and incentive to learn!
It’s important to understand that in ‘some’ cases a child’s inability to memorize multiplication facts might suggest learning difficulties. If a child is still failing to memorising their times tables, even when a parent or teacher has continually and consistently worked with them, then an alternative learning method needs to be found. One that will suit them.
A child must always be supported and encouraged.If a child is bombarded with criticism or disapproval from a parent this can be detrimental to their learning. Negative emotions like stress and anxiety can go so far as to prevent them from learning new information. This is why encouraging and supporting a struggling child is so important.
Multiplication tables can be learned in a variety of new and innovative methods. These new learning styles allow for a child to find the best method to suit the way they process information.
E.g. Using games that involve group work, exploring software programs that use animals and animation, flash cards and visual prompting. These well-rounded methods of learning are far more visual and engaging for a child and can be far more effective than rote methods of learning.
The experiences that are most memorable are usually those we’ve enjoyed. It makes sense then, to make learning multiplication tables more of an enjoyable experience for children. This way, they are far more likely to retain the vital information they have learned and will undoubtedly NEED in the future.
For more information on Multiplication, goto www.TimesTablesMaths.com