Monday, March 16, 2009

The Multiplication League

Here is an interesting way to have fun with multiplication. It is a simple game played in groups. The best number of group to have is 4. All that is needed is a blackboard/whiteboard, chalks/marker and a stopwatch. The contest is simple, one group will compete with another group on who can list down a multiplication of a number the fastest. Each student of a group must participate whereby they will take turns listing down the multiplication of the number on the board. For example, if the multiplication number is 6,  student A will write down 6 x 1 = 6 on the board, and the student B will write 6 x 2 = 12 and the next will write 6 x 3 = 18 and so on until  6 x 12 = 72. 

Whichever group finishes faster than the other will be rewarded with 3 points while the loser will gain 1 point. Continue on with the next groups and give them a different number each time. After all the groups has finished competing with each other, tally up the points to find out which group wins. A league table is also necessary so the kids can see which positions they are in after each round. 

We found that the kids likes to compete with one another and this way they gain something when they remember their multiplication table. It also helps to give them a minute or so after telling them the number for them to strategize and remember their multiplication table before beginning each round. The game teaches them teamwork, communication, competitive spirit, and of course multiplication in a fun way.

It is recommended to start the lesson with the kids creating their own personal multiplication table. Make sure that they do not bring the multiplication table with them to the board. 

Have fun.

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