Prepare Students to Multiply with Counting Games
Skip-Counting as a Stepping Stone for Learning Multiplication
Apr 10, 2009
There are ways to prepare students for multiplying before beginning to use that term. Provide the basic building blocks before starting actual multiplication. This lets children have fun with numbers while unconsciously developing the background knowledge required for successful multiplication. Only after much skip counting are students ready to tackle the multiplication facts.
Skip Counting as Readiness for Multiplication
Students in intermediate school and above often suffer from not understanding basic number patterns which could have been learned by skip counting. Time spent mastering this will help with many future math tasks including least common multiple, fractions, patterns, and story problems. In truth, this should be done long before even mentioning the word multiplication.
Games for Teaching Basic Counting
- Number Parade – Play follow the leader around the room taking turns leading. Count to 20, 30, 50, or 100 but every time the count reaches the tens (10, 20, 30, etc.) throw both hands up in the air and emphasize by slowing down on the 9th number in each sequence (19, 29, 39, etc.) to help students develop the skill of turning the corner from one series of ten numbers to another (from the twenties to the thirties, and so on).
Activities which involve numbering off, putting numbers in sequence, or basic counting on a blank sheet have tremendous value later in the study of math.
Games for Counting by Tens and Fives for Multiplication Readiness
- The Tens Train - Line students up to count by 10s. The first child holds arms up in a big circle to show zero, the second in line holds up one finger, the next child two fingers, the next three fingers. As the designated pointer points to each child in order, that student says a number (twenty for two fingers, thirty for three fingers, etc.) to count to 100 or even farther. (This game can be played by a pair of students occupying each number spot. One child holds up proper number of fingers and the other says the number when their turn comes. This requires more concentration and can be fun.)
- Hand Dance the Fives – Holding up five fingers on each hand sway first to one side and then to the other while counting by fives. Using a sing-song rhythmic voice going up in tone for the numbers ending in fives and down for the numbers ending in zero. Provide visual reinforcement by using a 100's chart in addition to the kinesthetic experience of using the hands and five fingers.
Skip Counting by Elevens and Threes Before Learning to Multiply
- Cheer for the Elevens – First, let the class say the elevens together up to times ten or times twelve (whichever fits your curriculum). Later, have a teacher or designated pointer choose one child to say the next elevens multiple. Skipping around the room encourages students to focus more.
- Sing a Song of Threes – There are many on the market, but students also enjoy making up their own. The idea is to say the threes multiples while holding up three fingers each time. Another day or another group can hold up one finger for three groups of one, two fingers for three groups of two and so on.
How to Know if Students are Ready for Multiplication
If students can do the above games with both mastery and enjoyment, it's time to teach multiplication. It is vital not to rush into it. When kids are rushed, they may spend an inordinate amount of time but not achieve mastery. Some even decide it's too hard, thus stunting their math progress for years. So have fun skip counting with your children at home or school!
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