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I have a 3rd grader who is supposed to be learning his times tables. We are just using flash cards, but do you have any suggestions for how I can practice with him in a more fun way?

We have so many fun game suggestions to help practice any math facts but since you already have flash cards, why not try using them (or a deck of cards) in a NEW way to make practicing math facts fun.

Try these ideas:

1. Play “Bug Off!” Spread the flash cards out in rows, let’s say 6 x 6 to start. Give your child a (clean) fly swatter (yes, you read that correctly). Say, “The answer is 6.” When he sees a card that reads 2x3, 3x2, 6x1, etc, he can swat it!
   
   
2. Or create index cards with the product (answers) on them and ask, “What is 4x6?” and have him swat the card with “24” on it.
   
   Variations:  

• Time him and see how many he can find in 30 seconds.

• Use another fly swatter and play the game with him. Take turns or race each other.
• Have a friend or sibling play with him (with supervision!) and they each can swat the correct answer or equation.
  
  

3. Play War!  Deal a deck of playing cards, half each to you and your child. On each turn, flip over TWO cards and multiply them. The winner is the one with the highest answer. Face cards can be made to be 11, 12, and 13… or wild (you choose the number each time)… or removed if desired. (Hint:  If one particular fact- like x7s- needs to be practiced, write “ x 7 ” on a sticky note and only flip ONE card each time. Multiply every card by 7 for repeated practice.)
   
   
4. Have a “Pop-Top Race”! Write the answers to the equations on pop (or water bottle) tops in permanent marker. Place as many flash cards as you think he can handle on the table (or floor) face up, spreading them slightly apart. It is better to start small and have success; success feeds interest. Lay the pop tops in a line in order from least to greatest. Say GO and have your child pick a fact, think of the answer and then find its pop top. He’ll place the pop top on top of the corresponding equation. Continue until all pop tops are placed on facts.

Variations:

• Play with him. Split up the tops and see who can finish placing the tops on the correct equations first.
  
  
• Use a timer and see how long it takes him to put the tops correctly in place. Repeat the game and encourage him to try to beat his last "score".  In between rounds, practice any facts that seemed particularly tough.

• Play with a friend.
• Teach a sibling (younger or older) the game.

Tips:

• Make sure to switch the index cards around often so he can’t just memorize what goes where!
• Keep track of the incorrect answers and start the next game by reviewing them.
• Don't use only the facts he is struggling with. Put some easy ones in there to encourage him and let him feel successful.

What else do you see around the house that can be used to make learning multiplication facts a game? Share your ideas with us and let’s keep making learning relevant and fun!