Define the key terms associated with multiplication -- the multiplier, multiplicand and product. The multiplicand is the number being multiplied by the multiplier and the product is the answer to your multiplication problem. For example, in the problem 3 x 2 = 6, three is the multiplicand, two is the multiplier and six is the product.
Break down a multiplication problem into a repeated addition problem. For example, if your multiplication problem is 4 x 5, rewrite the problem as 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4. When first learning multiplication, it is easier to perform basic addition problems until you begin to see the connection between addition and multiplication.
Use manipulatives to model your multiplication problems. Use bean counters or gummy bears to recreate a problem, such as 3 x 3. Count out three groups of three. Count the total number of counters in the three groups to determine the product for your problem. If you count all of the counters in your three groups of three you should find the total to be nine, which is the product of 3 x 3.
Learn the rules for multiplication. There are basic rules that can be applied to any multiplication problem that will make finding the answer easier, such as the product of two even numbers is always even. Other important rules include: multiplying anything times zero equals zero, when multiplying a multiplicand by one, the product is always the multiplicand, multiplying a number times five will result in a product that ends in zero or five, multiplying an odd and an even number will result in an even product and multiplying the multiplicand by two doubles the multiplicand. For example, if your multiplicand is two and you multiply it by two, the product is four.
Memorize the multiplication table. Start with the multiplication facts for twos, such as 2 x 1, 2 x 2, 2 x 3, etc., and work your way up to the multiplication facts for 12.
Practice using multiplication flash cards. Draw a card and try to answer the problem using rote memorization. Time yourself on each problem and try to get faster each time. Challenge your friends to games of multiplication war.