Educators propose a number of ways to learn multiplication tables, but children learn in different ways. Practicing basic multiplication facts through simple rhyming patterns might be the best way to go for some students. This strategy is similar to the Shurley Method, a popular instructional tool for teaching English in many American schools. The Shurley Method utilizes jingles and short songs to help students retain information.
The key to learning multiplication facts by rhyming is saying the phrases aloud. Hearing them can help you retain the information better than simply reading them.
Practice multiplication facts that have answers that rhyme with the second number being multiplied. Examples include:
6 x 4 = 24 6 x 6 = 36 6 x 8 = 48
Say these facts and answers out loud for best results.
Recite common multiplication facts in a rhyme. Columbia Education Center suggests creating a clever phrase to help you remember a fact, such as: "Seven times seven is 49 -- you are cool, you are fine!"
Incorporate the numbers into a small story. This gives the numbers meaning, amplifying learning further. Multiplication.com suggests examples like: "Two shoes kicked the door, two times two is four" and "Six asked eight for a date, six times eight is 48."
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About the Author
Andrew Cross began writing professionally in 2007 and now works full-time at a Chicago-based public relations agency. He has also served as a reporter, editor, columnist and freelance public relations consultant for several agencies and publications. Cross holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Illinois State University.