Fun Math Tricks for Kids

It is always fun to learn math tricks to help kids remember the math facts. Below are some tricks to help them get started.... tricks never replace actually knowing the math facts but sometimes it is the trick that helps the memorization process get started!

The 9 Times Tables

1. Hold your hands in front of you with your fingers spread out.
2. For 9 X 3 bend your third finger down. (9 X 4 would be the fourth finger etc.)
3. You have 2 fingers in front of the bent finger and 7 after the bent finger
4. Thus the answer must be 27
5. This technique works for the 9 times tables up to 10.

Follow up:

The 4 Times Tables

1. If you know how to double a number, this one is easy.
2. Simply, double a number and then double it again!

The 11 Times Tables Rule #1

1. Take any number to 10 and multiply it by 11.
2. Multiply 11 by 3 to get 33, multiply 11 by 4 to get 44. Each number to 10 is just duplicated.

The 11 Times Tables Rule #2

1. Use this strategy for two digit numbers only.
2. Multiply 11 by 18. Jot down 1 and 8 with a space between it. 1 --8.
3. Add the 8 and the 1 and put that number in the middle: 198

"Deck 'Em!" Math Memorization Card Game

1. Use a deck of playing cards for a game of Multiplication War.
2. Initially, children may need the grid (below) to become quick at the answers.
3. Flip over the cards as though you are playing Snap.
4. The first one to say the fact based on the cards turned over (a four and a five =
Say "20") gets the cards.
5. The person to get all of the cards wins!
6. Children learn their facts much more quickly when playing this game on a regular
basis.

Seeing the Patterns

1. Use a multiplication grid or let your students/children create one.
2. Look carefully at all of the patterns, especially when the numbers correspond
with the facts e.g., 7X8 and 8X7 = 56
3. Let students/children practice the 'fast adding' which is what multiplication is.
4. When students can count by 3s, 4s, 5s 6s, etc. they will automatically know
their multiplication tables.