Just like any other skill, learning multiplication requires time and practice. It also requires memorizing; which young children usually struggle with. The relief is that your child can master multiplication with 15 minutes of practice daily. Such tips and tricks are also exclusively beneficial for everyday tasks.

Times Tables

Students usually start learning basic multiplication from the second grade. Multiplication will be essential as kids promote in class and study advanced concepts such as algebra. Most teachers recommend using times tables because they allow kids to begin with smaller numbers and work their way up. The grid-like structure also comes in handy in visualizing how numbers increase when multiplied. They're incredibly efficient.

Start with multiplying 2's, 5's, and 10's — they're the easiest. If your child struggles with times tables, refer to Shelton Davis' book Rayna & Omar: Learn 2 and 3 Time Tables; it contains beneficial tips that make learning times tables fun and easy.

To get started, you can introduce your children to the following multiplication tricks:

Multiplication Tricks

The 4 Times Quickie

If your kid knows how to double a number, this is a piece of cake. Double a number and then double it once again. That's it!

The 11 Times Trick #1

Multiplying any number between 1 and 10 by 11 is super easy. For instance, multiply 11 by 2 to get 22 and multiply by 3 to get 33.

Similarly, each number multiplied by ten is simply duplicated, such as:

·       2 x 10 = 20

·       4 x 10 = 40

The 11 Times Trick #2

This strategy is for double-digit numbers. For example, start by multiplying the number 11 by 18. Note down 1 and 8 with a space between them, such as "1_8." Now, add the two digits "8" and "1" and put the sum in the middle, i.e. 198, and you have your answer.

The 9 Times Quickie

Spread out your fingers and hold your hands in front of you.

To solve 9 x 3, bend your third finger down. For 9 x 4, bend your fourth finger instead. Count the number of fingers behind the bent finger (2) and the number of fingers after it (7), and you get the answer, which in this case is 27. You can use this technique for multiplying nine up to the number 10.

Multiplication Memorization Tips

     When multiplying by 2, double the number that needs to be multiplied. For example, 2 x 5 = 10, as is 5 + 5.

     When multiplying by 4, double the number you're multiplying and double it again. For example, 4 x 6 = 24 just like 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24.

     To multiply by 5, count the number of 5's you want to multiply and add them up. Use your fingers to count if need be. For example, 5 x 3 = 15 just as 5 + 5 + 5.

     Multiplying by 10 is the easiest. Just take the number you need to multiply and add a zero at the end of it. For example, 10 x 9 = 90.

If you are interested in learning more tips and tricks regarding multiplication, grab your copy of Shelton Davis' Rayna & Omar: Learn 2 and 3 Time Tables.