True fact mastery includes rapid recall of each fact in the times tables (typically within 3 seconds or less), allowing students to free up space in the brains to understand and apply more advanced math concepts. When too much of the working memory is being used for basic math calculations, there is very little mental space left for completing multi-step procedures like reducing fractions or working long division problem. Why? Much like a computer, the human brain has a limited amount of working memory (think RAM here). Without mastery of basic multiplication facts, kids will struggle with larger problems or more abstract math concepts. Learning the times tables is one of the most important skills that elementary students need to master. This switch to mental math instead of concrete math can be challenging, but it is an important step toward being able to solve more complex problems.ĭid you know? CTCMath has a fun online times table game to help make fact practice fun! Is it really important to master the times tables? After all, it’s not very practical to figure out the product of 9 x 9 with fingers or objects, right? Now, though, they have to learn to figure out math problems in their head. Until this point, they could count on their fingers or count actual objects (such as crayons or counting bears) to help them add or subtract.
Multiplication is a pivotal point in elementary math when students move from simple, concrete operations to more abstract math problems. Why does learning the times tables seem hard? I was compensated for my time writing this post. So why was it so hard for me? Is it really important to master the times tables? And does rote memorization REALLY work?
Thankfully, I DID finally master the times tables. In spite of repeated practice with flash cards, those facts would NOT stick. One of my clearest memories from elementary school is my struggle to memorize the multiplication facts.
#EASY TIMES TABLES FOR KIDS HOW TO#
Teaching multiplication facts doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Learn how to teach times tables easily and effectively with these simple strategies.