Determine whether the child is a right-brain or left-brain learner. A left brain learner is organized, independent, thinks logically, enjoys learning facts., and prefers talking and writing. A right-brain learner is artistic, social, looks at the big picture, likes open-ended information, is spontaneous and more emotional. If you are not sure about the child, take the quiz at Left Brain Child (leftbrainchild.com) or The Art Institute of Vancouver (wherecreativitygoestoschool.com)
Write multiplication problems on the front of index cards, and the answer on the back for the left-brained child. Write the entire problem, with the answer written in color, on the front of the card for the right-brained child, who learns best by seeing the whole picture. Drill with the flash cards for five to 10 minutes each day.
Encourage the left-brained student to say the multiplication problem out loud during practice. Instruct the right-brained student to write the problems out with different-colored crayons during practice.
Play a multiplication game for 10 minutes each day after the math facts have been reviewed. Find games online at websites like Multiplication.com, Fun 4 the Brain (fun4thebrain.com), or purchase board games to play with the child.
Test the child at the end of each practice session with a timed math quiz. Focus on just the facts the child is trying to learn, or cover all facts at once. Allow approximately two to four seconds per problem.