Multiplication & Division Practice
Practical Ideas for Homeschoolers for Teaching Math Concepts
Learning about multiplication and division can be tricky. Use these fun ideas to help make it easier for your child.
Learning how to multiply and divide can be especially frustrating to you as a homeschooling parent and to your child. It is often a very difficult task to learn, and if you are not careful about the way you teach, your child can get confused quite easily. The good news is that once your child learns the basic facts, you can go beyond rote memorization when it comes to these math skills. Here are some fun and educational multiplication and division math activities for your homeschooled child.
Sing and Sing Some More
You may think it is funny, but singing multiplication songs is a perfect way for your child to catch on to multiplication facts. “Schoolhouse Rock” has songs for numbers up to twelve. They are catchy and you will find that they will help your child remember the facts with no trouble. If you have access to a teacher supply store, look for other music with the multiplication tables for your child. Play them in the car or whenever your child will listen.
Multiplication and Division BINGO!
BINGO is another great way to teach division and multiplication. You can make your own, or buy a kit. If you make your own, make the cards with numbers representing the products or quotients on them. Place the math facts on the cards that you draw, such as "5 x 5" or "20 divided by 4". When you call out that problem, your child will look for the answer on the BINGO card. As your child learns the basic facts you can progress to harder math facts to make the game more difficult.
Keep a Chart
When learning multiplication, it is a good idea to keep tabs on your child’s progress. One way to do this is to keep a chart and as your child learns the facts for each number, he or she can mark it off as learned. You will want to make sure your child stays challenged and remembers the facts even after the chart is complete. Have timed tests with all of the math facts, including division periodically.
Flashcards
Of course, flash cards are also great tools when teaching multiplication. It is important when you use these flashcards that you also make sure that your child understands the way division and multiplication work and is not just memorizing the facts. You can make flashcards and then use as a manipulative to reinforce the concepts of these two math operations. Use the math facts and reverse math facts when using flashcards with your child.
There are many resources available to you when you start teaching your child about math. You can even use the Internet for fun, free and educational games for both division and multiplication. It is vital that your child gets a solid background in these facts to enable him or her to progress.
