After introducing the idea of multiplication to students, instruct the class to play the game Dots and Circles. Divide the class into partners. Each team of players will need two dice and some space to work at the chalkboard. The first player rolls a die and draws that number of circles on the board. She then rolls the second die and draws that number of dots inside each circle. This student writes an equation on the board indicating how many dots she has (dots times circles) and figures out her product. Each player completes four rounds then tallies her points. The player with the most points wins the game.
Memorizing multiplication tables begins with understanding multiples. Divide the class into partners. Call out any number between two and nine. Team members must alternate turns while counting aloud. The first player says "One." The second player says "Two," until they reach the number called by the teacher. Instead of calling that number, the student must substitute the word "Bleep." The counting continues until the multiple of that number is reached. The student again must substitute the word "Bleep" for the number. If a student misses the bleep, the pair must start over from the beginning. After three minutes of play, the teacher calls out a new number.
Hold a math duel in front of the class. Call two students to the front of the room. They must begin by standing back to back. Take the face cards out of a deck of cards and give each student a card to hold on their forehead without peeking at the card. At the signal, tell the students to take three steps forward and then turn to face the class, revealing their cards to the class. The class will apply the function being practiced; adding, subtracting or multiplying, and give the correct answer. The two students may then turn to face the other and look at their opponent's card. Using that information, the class will see which student calls out the number on his card first. The quicker student stays up front to duel with a new challenger.
As students are working on learning math skills, use a permanent marker to write factors all over the surface of a beach ball. Pass the ball to a student. The recipient must call out the numbers his hands landed on. He must apply the function being practiced; adding, subtracting or multiplying, and call out the correct answer. If the answer is correct, he passes the ball to a new player. If the answer is incorrect, he must sit down.