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Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Lots of kids in elementary and middle school struggle with multiplication, and the good news is: most of the time, it’s fixable with simple steps you can do at home. Teachers do their best to cover the basics, but once the curriculum moves on, gaps can remain. When I taught Algebra I, there were school years where half the class barely knew their times tables but given the packed curriculum I was required to get through, there was little to no time to address learning gaps. This left addressing the problem up to the student, and/or their parents. That’s where you come in.
What Can Parents Do to Help
When addressing multiplication issues, parents should consider several levels of learning. It's important to ensure your child feels confident with each level before moving on. Math builds on itself more than any other subject, so gaps in basic understanding or skills can lead to bigger problems later. Many parents might find their child struggling with fact recall, which is often a good starting point.
🧠 Step 1: Understand Before Memorizing
Before diving into flashcards or times tables, make sure your child gets what multiplication means. Memorizing facts without a strong tie to their meaning makes for poor memorization and more susceptibility to error. Try this:
- Use real-life examples like candy, shells, or snacks.
- Ask: “If we have 6 rows of 4 candies, what’s the total?” Let them write it as repeated addition: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4.
- Keep it playful—use everyday moments to reinforce the idea (at the store, on the beach counting shells, or at the kitchen table.)
You'll know they have it down when they can consistently write down the repeated addition problem for each example you provide. Once they can consistently turn real-life situations into repeated addition, you’re ready for the next level.
🍽️ Step 2: Talk About Groups
Now introduce the idea of “groups of.” Use small bowls or plates:
- Put 4 candies in each of 6 bowls.
- Ask: “How many groups of candies do we have?”
- Emphasize the language: “6 groups of 4” is different from “4 groups of 6”—and that difference matters in real life (think: organizing teams in gym class when a P.E. teacher asks her class to get into six groups of four. Six groups of four looks and functions quite differently from four groups of six.)
🔁 Step 3: Connect the Dots
Help your child see that “6 groups of 4” is the same as adding four six times. This is where multiplication language comes in:
- 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 4 × 6
- “Groups of,” “times,” and “multiplied by” all mean the same thing.
Use lots of different numbers and examples to build confidence. Mastery requires application across a broad range of situations.
📐 Step 4: Explore Arrays and Areas
Grab some grid paper and draw rectangles:
- A rectangle with 6 rows of 4 squares = 24 squares.
- Let your child count the squares at first—then show how multiplying length × width is faster and more accurate.
This “area model” helps kids visualize multiplication and builds a strong foundation for future math. Initially, a child may count all the squares within a rectangle one by one, and that's fine. However, as the rectangles get larger or the child grows weary of counting countless tiny squares, they'll realize that multiplying the length by the width is much faster and avoids the risk of miscounting. There are many ways to enhance the use of the array/area model, such as color-coding and partitioning, which is an entirely separate topic!
🔢 Step 5: Make Times Tables Fun
Skip the “just memorize this” approach. Instead:
- Start with a hundreds chart and circle every 10th, 5th, or 2nd number.
- Fill in a blank times table (10×10 for elementary students or 12×12 for middle school students) using step counting.
- Use bead strings for tactile learners—they can physically count and see the totals as they count. Do the same for each multiplicand up to your target number.
Have the child step count, out loud, forwards and backwards for that number--first several times while looking at the chart they made and then try it without the chart.
🔲 Step 6: Spotlight Perfect Squares
Once the table’s filled in, point out the diagonal: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, etc.
- These are perfect squares, and most kids find them easy to remember.
- Knowing the bases and values (the base of 49, for example, is 7) helps later with square roots, geometry, and algebra (In particular. the Pythagorean theorem and simplifying radicals.)
There are tons of free worksheets online to reinforce these patterns.
🃏 Step 7: Flashcards (But Make It a Game!)
Flashcards can feel dull for most students, so mix it up:
- Turn them into matching games, scavenger hunts, or board games.
- Avoid relying only on online games. Online games are fine, but I tend to avoid them because they seem to encourage a growing trend I've noticed over the years: students becoming reluctant to write things down or show their work. Writing out math helps kids think more clearly and avoid mistakes. It boosts engagement, fosters insightful thinking, and links the motor and cognitive centers of the brain.
🚀 Bonus Boosters
If your child knows the basics but needs a refresher, try:
- Shortcut programs like Multiplication Facts in Seven Days.
- Apps for tweens and teens who can practice multiplication facts independently.
🧩 When It’s More Than Just Practice
Some kids truly struggle to memorize facts, even with lots of support. This could be due to:
- Memory challenges
- Gaps in number sense
- Dyscalculia (a math-specific learning difference)
These kids may need school accommodations or help from a specialist.
🧮 Why It Still Matters
Some schools are moving away from memorizing multiplication facts, relying on calculators instead, with the argument that mathematics learning and education should focus on problem-solving. I liken this to trying to learn to read without the alphabet or phonics (which, believe it or not, is also being done).
But knowing your times tables is like knowing the alphabet—it’s essential for reading math fluently. From fractions to algebra, multiplication facts are everywhere. The ability to recall math facts is a fundamental skill used in almost every area of math, from handling fractions to solving quadratic equations.
💪 You’ve Got This!
Helping your child master multiplication takes time, patience, and creativity—but it’s absolutely doable. With your support, they can build confidence and become a times table pro.
Is your child struggling with numbers, losing confidence, or falling behind in math due to dyscalculia? Robert Regan, The Dyscalculia Mentor, specializes in helping students overcome math anxiety and build lasting success. With personalized strategies and compassionate guidance, Robert empowers children to not only catch up—but to excel.
✅ Break through the barriers of dyscalculia
✅ Boost your child’s confidence and performance in math
✅ Get expert support tailored to your child’s unique learning style
📬 Contact Robert Regan now to schedule a free consultation or learn more:
📧 Email: robert@dyscalculiamentor.com
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