Get familiar with the rules governing individual numbers. For example, multiplying a number by 0 will always result in 0, as in 0 x 3 = 0. Multiplying a number by one always yields the original number, as in 1 x 3 = 3. If you're multiplying by 2, just double the number. For example, 2 x 3 = 3 + 3 = 6. When multiplying by 4, you simply double the multiplication of 2. So if you have 4 x 3, first calculate 2 x 3 = 6; then double the answer: 6 + 6 = 12. When you multiply by 5, the units column will always be 5 or 0. Multiplying 5 by an even number will result in the last number being 0, as in 5 x 2 = 10. Multiplying 5 by an odd number will produce a product ending in 5, such as 5 x 3 = 15.
Multiplying by 9 can be done with your hands. Place both hands out in front of you, palms facing away. Starting with your left hand, your pinky represents 1, ring finger 2, middle finger 3 and so on until you end with 10 on your right pinky finger. Suppose you want to multiply 9 x 4, simply count to the fourth finger starting with your left hand. This will end with your left pointer finger. Fold that finger down. You are left with 3 fingers up before the folded-down finger and 6 after. Your answer is 36. When multiplying by 10, a zero is added to the number that you have multiplied by 10, as in 10 x 3 = 30. When you multiply 11 by any number up to nine, that number is just written twice, as in 11 x 3 = 33.
Charts could be more helpful for the visual learner. Numbers 1 through 10 can be listed from left to right at the top of the poster and from top to bottom on the left hand side. A grid is made and the correct numbers are filled in. To quiz, simply cover the numbers with cutouts. Another technique is to write an exercise on one card and the solution on the other. The cards are placed scrambled up and face down on a flat surface. You must match the exercise with the solution by remembering where the card was placed. You may also memorize by arrays. In this activity, you use rows of tangible objects such as paper clips, chips, coins or whatever is at hand. If you are multiplying 2 by 4, two rows of objects with four in each row are laid out for you to see.
Most teachers have found music helpful for students to learn multiplication. You can learn by singing your favorite songs. It works by picking your preferred tune or a common song such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and simply substituting the words for numbers. Inexpensive CDs are also available online or in catalogs for purchase.
0 - row / 6 - row / 12 - row your / 18 - boat gently / 24 - down the / 30 - stream
Memorize the times table one number at a time. Take one number such as 4 and write it in list form, as in 1 x 4 = 4, 2 x 4 = 8, 3 x 4 = 12 and so on. The student points to the answer and says it out loud while going down the list: 4, 8, 12. The list is memorized upward and downward. Once the student memorizes one number, she is ready to tackle another.