Multiplication Games

I wish I'd known about multiplication games when I was in school. I think it would have made a big difference.

You see between second and third grades I changed schools. At my new school all the kids knew their multiplication tables. I was the only one that didn't.

My mom tried to get me to practice my times tables. I just wouldn't do it.

As a result, I didn't learn the times tables until I was in the sixth grade.

This won't happen to your child.

Why?

Because you are taking the time to learn how to help your child learn with these multiplication games.

I've got just a few games and activities for now but my site is growing every week. Check out the multiplication games below. Your child will love them!

Whisper Counting

This multiplication game is a fun way to help children learn their multiplication tables.

  1. Draw a grid with numbers in it. Make the width equal to the number you want to skip count. (In the example chart below we skip count by 4’s.)

    Multiplication Game Chart

  2. Count the individual squares out loud with your children. Start with the lowest number and end with the highest.

  3. Count out loud again and this time say the skip count number louder than the rest. In my example you’d say “one, two, three, FOUR, five, six, seven, EIGHT etc.

  4. Repeat several times each time saying the skip count number louder and the other numbers softer.

  5. Finally, finish by saying only the skip count numbers and none of the others.

Variations Of This Multiplication Game:

You can clap on the skip count numbers to provide emphasis.

Counting By Twos Rhyme

Author: Rodney Daut

This song can be made into a great multiplication game.

To hear audio of this song double-click on the play button below.

Six Times Tables

(This secret which you can make into a multiplication game I found on www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com. A source for great math activities.)

Below I’ve listed the 6 times tables up to 6 x 12. If you take a good look at every other row starting with 6 x 2 you might notice a pattern to the answers in the second column.

6 x 1 = 6
6 x 2 = 12
6 x 3 = 18
6 x 4 = 24
6 x 5 = 30
6 x 6 = 36
6 x 7 = 42
6 x 8 = 48
6 x 9 = 54
6 x10 = 60
6 x11 = 66
6 x12 = 72

Were you able to figure out the pattern?

The ones digit of six times a number is the ones digit of the number, but only if the number is even. So 6 x 8 = 48. The ones digit of the multiplier (other than 6) is 8 and the ones digit in 48 is 8.

I haven’t yet found a good method of discovering the answers for the odd ones. If you do please share it with me by filling out the form below or by clicking here.

Nine Times Tables

To make this one into a multiplication game I used to say to kids.

“The nine times tables are easy once you know the secret!”

Here it is.

Then I’d show them the table below:

9 x 1 = 9
9 x 2 = 18
9 x 3 = 27
9 x 4 = 36
9 x 5 = 45
9 x 6 = 54
9 x 7 = 63
9 x 8 = 72
9 x 9 = 81

Then I’d explain.

“Notice that 9 x 2= 18. Well, if you subtract 1 from 2 what do you get?”

“One.”

And so I draw the number “one” on the board.

“Right. And if I subtract 1 from 9 what do I get?”

“Eight.”

Then I draw a number “eight” next to the “one.” And say, “Look, we’ve now got the same answer as on the chart.”

Then I’d say. “Let’s see if the same method works for 9x3.”

“So three minus 1 equals…”

“Two.”

I wrote two on the board.

“Right. And what do we get when we subtract 2 from 9?”

A few seconds pass.

“Seven”

I write seven next to the two.

“So we’ve got the answer again. It’s twenty-seven.”

“So the secret to the nine times tables is to subtract one from the number to get the 10’s digit and then to subtract the 10’s digit number from nine.”

If you’re a parent you can use the same activity to teach your child the 9 times tables. And if you are a teacher you can use this method to teach your entire class.

Eleven Times Tables

This one is easy so I show kids the chart below.

11 x 1 = 11
11 x 2 = 22
11 x 3 = 33
11 x 4 = 44
11 x 5 = 55
11 x 6 = 66
11 x 7 = 77
11 x 8 = 88
11 x 9 = 99

Then I’d ask, “What pattern do you notice in the answers?”

Almost always some kid’s hands would go up and they’d say something like, “The answer is the new number two times. So eleven times four is FOURTY FOUR.”

“Right,” I’d say.

“So then the secret to the eleven times tables is that the number repeats itself twice. At least that’s true until you get to 11 x 9.”

To make sure the students really get it. I’ll cover up the chart.

Then I’ll make it a multiplication game by quizzing them rapid-fire.

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