You may be teaching several grades, or you may be teaching only one, but one thing is for sure — you will have students who don’t know their multiplication tables. Some are more behind than others.

Repetition is the key to learning multiplication tables, and there’s no way around it. If you want your students to progress, review. If you want to keep track of how your students are doing, review. If you want to see your students ready for the next grade, review.

Does that mean you have to spend half your lesson reviewing? Definitely not. The key to success is more about consistency than duration. Look at your lesson plans to see how long to review and for creative ways of including it.

You may need to spend more time preparing to teach new material, so you’ll have time to review. But it will be worth it. This is one investment you can be certain will pay off.

Of the thirteen tables, seven have tricks to make them easier to learn. Isn’t that great? Your students will think so.

Besides tricks, there are also strategies. Don’t leave those out. Teach the concept of twins: the combination looks exactly alike, only the numbers are switched. Students don’t need to learn a new combo—just remember the twin. For example, 6 x 8 is the same as 8 x 6. Point out doubles, too; they’re easier to memorize. A few examples are 5 x 5, 8 x 8, and 9 x 9.

Just saying the multiplication tables over and over again with no variety would get boring for anyone. Make it fun by playing songs that put the tables to music, or make your own music. The 2s table could be sung like a robot and the 3s with a Texas twang,

Whisper and bend low as you start to say the table. As the numbers get higher, get louder and stand tall. For younger children, walk to the side like a crab.

Clap on the desk between the combinations once, twice, or three times (you decide). For example, 0 x 3 = 0, clap, 1 x 3 = 3, clap. The only limit is your imagination!

Think of all the time your class spends walking somewhere or waiting to do something.

Practice when you’re going to or coming back from recess, headed to a field trip, or waiting for assembly to start. During waiting periods when class conversations get loud, try redirecting all those voices to multiplication tables. It will sound a lot better, and you’ll be making that time count!

Like so many other developed in the elementary years, multiplication facts are a tool that your students can proficiently learn and use for a lifetime of efficient mathematical application. Even when it seems slow going, don’t get discouraged! If you need help, get in touch with one of our educational consultants by emailing us ​here​, or go to our free online learning​ to see examples of how it’s done.