General Math Strategies (page 3)
Multiplication Facts
When teaching multiplication facts use of the following may help:
- 0 times and number is 0
- 1 times any number is that number
- 2 times any number means double that number
- 5 times any number involves counting by 5’s the number of times indicated by the multiplier (teach what multiplier means)
- The trick in learning the 9’s: subtract 1 from the multiplier to obtain the tens digit. Add enough to the tens digit to make it equal 9 to obtain the ones digit.
- Now there are only 15 facts to be memorized: 3×3, 3×4, 3×6, 3×7, 3×8, 4×4, 4×6, 4×7, 4×8, 6×6, 6×7, 6×8, 7×7, 7×8, 8X8.
Additional Resources
Web Resources:
Sometimes computer games can build math skills. There are a number of free websites for teaching math concepts
- http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/index.html
- http://www.mathgametime.com
- https://www.coolmath4kids.com/math-games/
- http://pbskids.org/games/math/
- https://www.education.com/games/math/
“Math Strategies Made Simple: A step-by-step guide for parents and teachers” by Rubin and Shaffer is a resource that breaks down common math strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division into discrete steps: https://education.fcps.org/lies/sites/lies/files/kathy.renn/Math%20parent%20book%20rev%20NOV%206.pdf
The Khan Academy has math strategies by grade: https://www.khanacademy.org/math
Additional Reading
For more information on evidence-based mathematics instruction and strategies, click here.
For more information on maths skills and strategies, see this handout: Math Skills Handout