One of the first steps to understanding the multiplication process is grasping the concept of multiples. Divide the class into partnerships. Call out a number between two and ten. The partners will begin to count aloud, alternating who calls out the numbers. Every time a multiple of the indicated number is reached, that partner must say "Bleep" instead of the next number. If a player misses a bleep or says it at the wrong time, the partnership must start over.
Seat all the third-grade students in the class in a circle. One volunteer student must stand up behind the next student in the circle. Show the duo a flash card with a multiplication problem on it. If the student standing says the correct answer first, she moves to stand behind and compete with the next seated student in the circle. If the student seated says the correct answer first, he gets up and moves behind the next student seated in the circle. The student who missed the answer must sit down.
Play Flash Relay when most of the class has learned the majority of the multiplication tables. The class must be divided into two teams and stand in single file lines facing the front of the room. About 10 feet in front of each line, place a pile of multiplication flash cards of equal amounts. On "Go", the first student in each line must run to the pile of cards, turn over the top one and call out the correct answer to the equation on the card. If correct, the player puts the card in a discard pile, runs to "high five" the next student in line and goes back to the end of the line. If incorrect, the card must go on the bottom of the pile to be replayed later and the player must attempt a new card. The team to move the entire pile into the discard pile first is the winner.
Circles and Dots is best played when introducing the concept of multiplication to a third-grade class. Divide the class into partnerships. Each team will need a pencil and paper or use an area of the chalkboard to do its work. The first player must roll a set of dice. The number on one die represents the amount of circles that will be drawn. The number on the other die represents the number of dots to drawn inside each circle. The player must write out the multiplication equation represented and count up the total number of dots to tally the number of points earned in that round. Each player plays four rounds. The student with the most points at the end of round four is the winner.