Math Mammoth Multiplication 1

Math Mammoth Multiplication 1 is a fairly self-explanatory worktext to learn the concept of multiplication and the multiplication tables. It has two parts: The first part concentrates on the concept of multiplication, the order of operations, and word problems. The second part deals with memorizing the times tables.I have created a systematic approach to memorizing the times tables. In this method, one table is studied at a time to mastery. The individual tables are NOT studied in the order of 2, 3, 4, etc. but instead, the “easy” tables of 2, 5, 10, and 11 are studied first. Also, in this system, we study the table of 4 right after the table of 2, and the table of 6 right after the table of 3, because the skip-counting patterns for those tables share some similarities. The lessons emphasize the fact that any particular multiplication fact is always in two different tables. This way, when the student gets to the hardest tables, the tables of 7, 8, and 12, there are only a few totally new facts to learn.We always start the study of each table by memorizing the skip-counting pattern first. Then we work on memorizing which fact is associated with which answer. This way the child not only knows what 8 × 7 equals, but also knows this fact “backwards” - that 56 is in the tables of 8 and 7. That knowledge will be an enormous help later, when learning division facts, prime factorization, and how to find the least common multiple and the greatest common factor of numbers.In part 2, the book includes a 12x12 grid at the end of almost every lesson (see an example). In the grid, the boxes for those facts that have not been studied yet are shaded, and are not to be filled in. Little by little, the shaded areas become less and less, and the progress is very visible to the student, which is very encouraging.I encourage you also to use games for motivation and for practice. I have included a list of online multiplication games for that purpose. Of course, board and card games work well also. However, games are not enough in themselves. The memorization also requires a mental effort from the student: sitting down with the skip-counting list, then with the facts, reading them, and then trying to remember them. The basic age-old technique of covering the list and trying to remember it is still very effective! Read more