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How to teach my child to multiply using objects

When teaching children mathematics, many adults use written symbols. Another way to teach multiplication and many other areas of math is through the use of manipulatives or objects. It's unnecessary, too for the children to understand addition or subtraction. If the child can sort and count, he can learn to multiply. Following a simple process and repeating, as necessary, helps him master multiplication.

10 pieces of candy
Paper
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Assist the child in making two rows of three items (candy).
  
  X X X
  
  X X X
- 2
  Ask the child to fill in the blanks and make an expression using (a) the number of rows and (b) the number of items in the row.
  
  You write: __ X __
  
  Child writes: 2 X 3
- 3
  Ask the child to count the number of items.
- 4
  Ask the child to complete a number sentence using the amount counted.
  
  2 X 3 = __
  
  2 X 3 = 6
- 5
  Ask "What is two times three?" If the child doesn't respond accurately, ask him to count the number of pieces.
- 6
  Repeat this process using other quantities such as three rows of four. As the child begins to master this process, have her arrange the items and create number sentences without prompting. By providing concrete examples of mathematical situations, she'll learn to represent problem situations with symbols and numbers. Once children understand the purpose of multiplication by using concrete examples, they're more likely to remember the multiplication tables.

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