Ah, the multiplication tables.
For many parents and tutors, guiding a child through them can feel difficult. Yet, mastering these facts will provide a foundation for future math success.
The good news?
Implementing effective tutoring techniques for kids can make all the difference, turning potential frustration into confident understanding.
While rote memorization has its place, truly mastering multiplication means fluency and conceptual grasp. For some children, the pressure can even contribute to maths anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be a battle!
This post explores effective tutoring techniques for kids specifically tailored for conquering multiplication tables.
7 Effective Tutoring Techniques for Kids Having Trouble with Their Multiplication
Whether you’re a parent supporting homework or a tutor seeking strategies, here are some proven tutoring techniques for communicating Maths to your kid:
1. Start with the ‘Why’ and the ‘How’ (Conceptual Understanding)
Before drilling facts, ensure the child understands multiplication. This foundational step is key to any effective tutoring technique.
- Relate to Addition: Explain multiplication as repeated addition (e.g., 3 x 4 = 4 + 4 + 4).
- Use Visuals: Draw arrays, use blocks, or group objects. Visuals are powerful teaching techniques that help solidify concepts.
2. Break It Down
Avoid overwhelming the child. A staged approach is a core principle of effective tutoring.
- Start Easy: Begin with 0s, 1s, 10s, 2s, 5s for early wins.
- Build Incrementally: Gradually introduce harder tables (3s, 4s, then 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s).
- Leverage the Commutative Property: Teach that 4 x 6 = 6 x 4. This simple tutoring strategy halves the memorization load.
3. Make it Multisensory and Engaging
Cater to different learning styles using varied tutoring techniques.
- Skip Counting Songs & Rhymes: Auditory learning aids memorization.
- Manipulatives: LEGOs, counters, beans allow kinesthetic learning.
- Flashcards (Used Wisely): Turn flashcards into games, not just drills. This makes practice one of the more adaptable tutoring techniques for kids.
- Drawing & Colouring: Visual and creative reinforcement.
4. Gamify the Learning
Games are highly effective tutoring techniques for kids, transforming practice into fun.
- Dice Games: Roll and multiply. Simple and engaging.
- Card Games: Adapt familiar games like “War” for multiplication practice.
- Online Games & Apps: Use vetted educational resources.
- Board Games: Custom games add a unique, fun element to your tutoring approach.
5. Integrate into Real Life
Show the practical application of multiplication.
- Shopping: Calculate costs.
- Cooking: Adjust recipes.
- Sharing: Divide items equally.
- Time: Calculate durations.
Applying math skills here is great practice for tackling word problems, a common challenge where targeted tutoring techniques are beneficial.
6. Consistent, Short Bursts of Practice
Frequency beats duration in tutoring
- Short & Sweet: 5-10 minutes daily is better than one long weekly session. You can use the Pomodoro technique to break down the lessons into no more than 20 minutes per session.
- Review Regularly: Keep previously learned facts fresh.
- Track Progress: Visual charts motivate children.
Key Principles for Effective Tutoring
These principles underpin all effective tutoring techniques for kids, especially when dealing with potentially tricky subjects like multiplication:
- Patience is Paramount: Every child learns differently.
- Stay Positive: Celebrate effort and progress.
- Identify Patterns: Help children see mathematical connections.
- Tailor the Approach: Adapt your tutoring techniques to the individual child’s needs and learning style.
Conclusion
Mastering multiplication isn’t just reciting facts. It’s building a strong foundation. Fluency here is vital for setting a strong foundation for pre-algebra.
By using varied and effective tutoring techniques for kids, focusing on understanding and engagement, you empower them with confidence and a positive view of math.
Happy Multiplying!
