Helpful Math Memory Tips

Don’t make the mistake of not helping your child learn their math facts. Knowing them well really prepares them for higher math like algebra. It’s never too late to brush up. It’s probably best to try a few different techniques. You might find ways that work better for your child.

Flash Cards
You probably remember these growing up…many moons ago. Yes they still exist. Be creative. Try to change it up a bit. Another idea using flash cards is to play a game. Shuffle the cards and deal like playing a card game. Each player turns over a card to reveal a math problem. The first one to say the correct answer wins the hand…but the loser takes the cards. The person who ends up with no more cards wins the game.

Timed Test
You should be pick up a timed test multiplication sheet at an educational store. You can duplicate them to use over and over. It will have 100 multiplication problems in random order, up through the twelves. Time your child using a stop watch. They should improve their time with practice.

Math products
There are several math products out there that do a good job with helping kids memorize their math tables. One I like is Math Facts set to Music. This one works well for many kids. I remember growing up watching "School House Rock" every Saturday morning. They used to have animated scenes on a variety of subjects including math. They'd have math facts with a fun little jingle. I still remember some of those songs, gosh over 30 years later. Pretty powerful stuff.

Another I’ve used personally while tutoring kids is called “wrap-up”. A little plastic gadget with a string attached. Math problems are on it and your child places the string around the correct answer. They utilize many learning senses and are fun enough that students are willing to use them over and over until they master their facts.

Tips:

• Always reward your child when he masters a new set of math facts
• Don’t overdo it. Stop working before your child becomes frustrated and tired. It’s important to make the time spent learning the math a fun, positive experience. Bring it to a close before your child can become tired and bored with it.
• Challenge your child to meet goals and reward him when he achieves them.