Multiplication is so much fun to teach! Students that are just learning this new math skill are always eager and excited. I haven't taught multiplication in about ten years, so I went on the search for easy-to-implement, hands-on games and activities that would allow my students to practice their new skills while reinforcing strategies that they'd previously learned. Add the Array Multiplication Matching Game, Multiplication Dry Erase Board, Multiplication Building Blocks, tri-FACT-a Multiplication & Division, and Math Fact Oh Multiplication & Division to your classroom games to strength students' conceptual Math thinking.
Creating an array to solve a multiplication problem is a transitional strategy that helps students grasp the understanding of basic multiplication. This is one of the first few strategies that I always model. The Array Multiplication Matching Game is the perfect addition to any classroom. Students will practice matching up an array with its matching multiplication sentence. The array cards are great to also help students practice identifying rows vs. columns.
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Who wouldn't love to practice a math skill using this Multiplication Building Blocks game? Set this game up in an area of the room away from your small group table since it can get a little loud! Add a Dry Erase Lap Board and Expo Markers to the table to guarantee that students are showing their thinking and really figuring out the multiplication problem. I require both team members to solve every problem that way they can double check each other's work. I encourage them to talk about their thinking and to agree or disagree appropriately. It's important we add in math talk whenever possible!
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Anything that uses an Expo Dry Erase Marker in the classroom is an automatic hit. Students love using the Multiplication Dry Erase Boards to help them master multiplying with more than one digit. I love that it's easy to do a quick informal assessment while students practice multiplying using one of these durable, ready-to-go boards. These boards are great to add to other games or centers, also.
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Once students have a great understanding of multiplication, it's time to add in division. This game allows students to practice multiplication and division fact families at the same time! I love the way the tri-FACT-a™ Multiplication & Division Game makes my students really think about numbers and how they are connected. I find that it really helps strengthen conceptual math thinking.
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Math Fact Oh Multiplication & Division helps build and reinforce basic math skills while improving memory and concentration. For every answer card, there are three coordinating equation triangle cards to match. If your students aren't ready for this game, don't worry! It comes with directions on how to differentiate and includes three levels of playing cards. This game is perfect for your above level students to help push their conceptual understanding of multiplication and division.
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