Multiplication (& Division) Facts Practice

Last week your child wrote a note in their agenda reminding them to add the daily practice of multiplication and division facts to their homework routine. As mathematical concepts increase in complexity, having a good handle on basic math facts will become even more imperative for your child to be successful in mathematics. There are plenty of ways you can support your child with this at home. Here are a few suggestions:

• Make (or purchase at the dollar store) multiplication and division flash cards
• Download work sheets from your computer as well as problem solving questions that involve both multiplication and division
• Watch the 'Numberock' videos that I have downloaded onto this blog. The kids like them, they are catchy and they do help them build their recall of facts
• Make muliplication and division practice fun and challenging for your child. Be creative and find ways to help your child that work for you! 
• Take a closer look at the Ontario Curriculum expectations for a child at the grade 4 level so you are aware of what is expected at this age and stage. Have a look ahead at the grade 5 expectations so you know where they are headed!
• 'Mathletics' Online Math Resource - Ask your child to show you how to access this resource! There are many great activities to explore and build numeracy skills.  
• Dice War/Card War - roll the dice and be the first to shout out the multiplication answer. If you are using cards, jacks, queens and kings are worth 11, aces worth 12 and all the other cards are worth their value! 
• Even though the expectation at grade 4 is to know multiplication and division facts up to 9 x 9 and 81divided by 9, make sure to practice the 10's (just add zero!) , the 11's (double the number up to 99 and then memorize the last two facts) and of course the 12's (I have downloaded a fun 'Numberock' video for the 12's)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!