Teach students to read through word problems before trying to solve them. After they read an entire problem, have them locate and identify the keywords in it. Tell them to highlight the keyword in the problem. The main keywords to look for in a multiplication problem are "each," "product" and "in all," which tell us to multiply. The children can then solve the problem by multiplying the number of groups or objects by the number that each group or object has.
Third graders love being read to. There are many books available that can provide whole class multiplication practice. The format of these books allows students to solve multiplication word problems while enjoying a story. Students can sit on the floor or at their desks and use dry erase boards and markers to solve the problems in the stories as you read them. Suggested books are "Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream" by Cindy Neuschwander and "Two of Everything" by Lily Toy Hong.
Create a class book of multiplication problems and have each student write a page of the book. For example, if you are teaching your students the "four" times table, you might have each student write a page about the zoo. For example: "Charlie went to the zoo. He saw the lions. Each lion had four legs. How many legs were there in all?" The student should draw three lions on his page. Allow each student to choose the type and number of animal he wants to draw.
Create several multiplication word problems using the student's names and type them on individual pieces of cardstock. On another sheet of cardstock, type the answers to each multiplication word problem. Laminate the cards so they can be used multiple times. Divide the cards up by word problems and answers. Split the students into two groups. Give one group the cards with the word problems and the other group the cards with the answers. Have each student solve her word problem and search for her correct partner. This can be repeated several times, alternating which group solves the problem.