www.multiplication.com
http://www.multiplication.com/

Way back in 1995, after being a rotary teacher  for many years, I had my first  regular classroom assignment as a grade 6 teacher.  One of the many surprises and shocks I got that year was how many students didn’t know their basic multiplication facts up to 12x12.  I tried every trick I knew to motivate my students to learn them.  It was an uphill battle and although I tried my best, there were still students who went on to grade 7 not knowing their basic multiplication facts.

Fast forward now to 2009, and now my regular classroom assignment is as a grade 5 teacher.  Students still don’t know their basic multiplication facts, but now I have a new trick to motivate my students.  The trick is this website entirely devoted to multiplication facts: http://www.multiplication.com/

The site is a creation of Alan Walker, an educator for over 20 years who currently teaches grade 5 in Prosser Washington USA.  Walker has sections on his site for teachers, parents and students.  This is a  very user friendly, easy to follow site with no banner or pop up ads.  It’s also a great resource for parents.  I include this site URL in students’ planners at the beginning of the year for parents and students to access at home.  The feedback has always been positive.

For teachers, Walker includes strategies such as rote memory, music, pictures and his own unique method.  There are activities, worksheets, flash cards and other resources including links to interactive, Internet, classroom and computer games.  There are also links to other teacher sites and commercial sites.

Teaching the basic multiplication facts is still an uphill battle,  but at least there are now more tricks to motivate students, help parents and teachers thanks to this site http://www.multiplication.com/

Another site I highly recommend for printable worksheets, activities, and tests for the differentiated classroom is Schoolhouse Teconologies at: http://www.schoolhousetech.com/

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