Our six year old is now working on multiplication.
Over the years, I have discovered that if a secure foundation is not established at this stage, they will struggle in higher grades. So, I think we will spend a bit more time on multiplication this time around. Here are some free online resources: School House Rock Videos on YouTube Math-Aids.com Free Printable Worksheets Arcademics Multiplication Games PBS Video to Help with the 9s How I wish I could go back in time. I did the memorization technique with the older two. I thought they had it. Then years later, I see that the memorization didn't stick well. They still have to think and it doesn't come automatically. However, with the younger two, we have been working on a combo of a Singapore math teaching style in conjunction with memorization. We will spend twice as long on it before we move on. It seems to working so far as my fourth grader grasps that 4×8 is twice 2×8 and eight less than 4×10. And he doesn't spend as much brain power thinking of the answer. I don't know if it is the different child or the different technique, but it seems to be working. We will also incorporate and highlight multiples in our lives when we cook, exercise, play, bounce a ball, create, etc. Also, the concept of multiplication "fact families" should be reestablished at this point with the introduction of Algebraic concepts. We love using food in our lessons! Use whatever you have on hand! Legos, cookies, a trampoline, a jump rope, apples, etc. Now they beg to do math ;-) Remember to follow me on Google+ for a steady stream of links and resources! My profile is under ToolsTo Homeschool
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