Multiplication
Beat the clock
Write multiplication questions on a piece of paper for your child to write the answer. You can either write them in order, for example, (1x2=, 2x2=, 3x2= and so on) or mix them up (3x4=, 6x2=,). You may decide to call out the questions for your child to answer verbally. How many questions can they answer in the set time? Alternatively, time how long your child takes to complete all the questions. You can repeat this activity with the same amount of questions and see if your child can beat their personal best.
Multiplication Bingo
This game is for two or more players. Before playing the game, ask your child to create bingo cards with numbers that appear in the times tables. You can vary the level of challenge by selecting the time tables to focus on. To make it easier, use numbers from the 2s, 5s and 10s times tables; to make it harder, choose any number from the 1 to 12 times tables. A bingo master calls out multiplication questions, such as 4x5=, if 20 is on the bingo card, the player crosses it out. When a player crosses out all the numbers in a line, they call out ‘line’ and maybe win a small prize. If they cross out all their numbers on their card, they shout out ‘house’ and maybe win a larger prize.
Create a wall chart poster
Ask your child to create a multiplication wall chart for the 1 to 12 times tables. Encourage your child to be creative, make it colourful and stand out. Display the wall chart in your house where your child will see it, such as, in their bedroom. Wall charts are a great way to learn and practise multiplication.
Playing Snap or Memory
Create your own game of Snap or Memory by making pairs of cards that match, for example, write 9x2 on one card and 18 on a separate card; ‘4x6’ and ‘24’; ‘7x7’ and ‘49’; and so on. Use these cards to play Snap, Memory or simply ask your child to match up the multiplication cards to their corresponding answer card. You could time your child and see how quickly they can match them up and then repeat to see if they can beat their personal best.
Target number flowers
Ask your child to draw a flower. In the middle of the flower, write the target number, for example 36. On the petals, write the matching multiplication equations (1x36, 2x18, 3x12, 4x9, 6x6, 9x4, and so on). Once complete, you can test your child on the numbers that when multiplied together make the target number.
Multiplication card games
This game is played using a deck of cards, (removing the picture cards first). In turns, each player picks two cards and multiplies the two numbers together and says the answer. If they get the answer right, they keep the cards; if not, they have to put the cards back at the bottom of pile. The winner is the person with the most cards at the end.