One common way to teach third-graders about multiplication is to have them recite the multiplication table. As a class, begin with the No. 1 and begin reciting the table by saying, “1 times 1 is 1; 1 times 2 is 2; 1 times 3 is 3” and so on. Practice this often because repetition is an ideal way for students to remember multiplication facts.
After explaining what multiplication is, begin teaching the third-graders about various tricks used when multiplying. For example, the first multiplication facts students learn are multiplying with 0, 1 and 2. Teach the students that any number times 0 equals 0, and that any number times 1 equals the other number. The next trick is with the No. 2. Teach children how any number times 2 is equal to doubling the number. Students normally learn about doubles in first and second grades. Another trick involves multiplying the number 11. Teach the facts about this number, by showing the pattern it produces when you multiply 11 times 2, 3, etc. The pattern is: 11, 22, 33, 44, 55 and so on.
Around the world is a classroom game ideal for learning any math facts. For this game, begin by choosing one student. This student stands next to a child seated at her desk. Ask a multiplication problem. The first student to answer correctly moves to the next seated child. If the seated student answered correctly, the student standing must sit in that child’s seat. The goal of the game is to go “around the world” by answering the questions correctly.
Use a deck of cards to teach multiplication facts. Before starting, pull out the face cards and jokers and group students into pairs. Divide a deck of cards between the two students. When the game begins, the two students simultaneously flip one card over from their stack, leaving two cards facing up. The students must multiply the two numbers together and the student who answers it correctly first keeps both cards. The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins the game.