Cool Tricks to Multiply Numbers 6-9

If you have been reading my blog, you probably noticed that I get way too passionate about educational tricks. (Once I was moved to tears when I found out there was a reason for the Silent E in the word "have.") 

Today is no exception.  You guys... This is LIFE CHANGING.  I was excited to show you the first trick I learned. 

But then last night, I learned an even more nifty multiplication trick that you can do ON YOUR FINGERS.  And I literally jumped up and down for joy.  I need to work on my self-control a little bit.

Today I want to show you a quick trick to help your child memorize multiplication tables.  This only works with numbers 6-9.  The nines and tens facts have their own tricks, so I would focus on multiplying 6-8 which are usually the hardest to remember anyway.)   If your child needs help learning to multiply 3s and 4s, I really love Times Tables the Fun Way.  It has little pictures and stories that help you remember the math facts. (You have to be 16 to drive a 4x4, etc.)

Ok, here we go... I learned this trick from Speed Math for Kids. It is the basis for all kinds of mental math multiplication tricks.  Using the same method, I can multiply numbers like 97 x 98 in my head.  (It's 9506, by the way.) I highly suggest you get this book.  It's fun for kids and challenging enough for adults.  I spent all summer wading through it, and I still have a lot to learn.

I will do one more:

I hope that mostly makes sense.  Are you ready for the coolest part of all? Last night, I learned from Pintrest that you can do this ON YOUR FINGERS!  Life Changing, My Friends.  I am going to put the finger method next to the circle method so that you can see we are doing the same thing.  (Spoiler alert: The finger method is easier.)

Step 1: Assign numbers to your fingers and touch the fingers you want to multiply together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Count the number of fingers that are touching and below.  Multiply that number by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Multiply the number of fingers on each hand that have not yet been counted. Add that product to the step 2 answer.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts.  Do you think this could help a child who is struggling to learn multiplication?

Need more help?

Check out these videos :)

Circle Method for Multiplying numbers 5- 9

Finger Method for Multiplying numbers 6-10

Play Your Way to Higher Math Skills: Simple Games to Develop Number Sense

 

When I tutor children in math, the first thing I do during their assessment is to find out where their number sense falls away.  Can they subitize the number 4?  7?

Subitize means to look at an amount of something (like four blocks, or two forks) and know how much it is without counting.  

I need to distinguish between number and numerals.  Number is an amount.  Numerals are the written representation of that amount.  1, 2, 3, 4 are numerals.  While recognizing and writing numerals is important, it doesn't necessarily mean that a child has a strong number sense.  

 



This cutie is demonstrating the equation
1 - 1 = 0.  Genius little cousin of mine
Peekaboo!

My general rule of thumb for children aged one through five is that the amount a child can subitize directly corresponds to their age.  So, a three year old can usually understand the amount of three, but the number four is a little trickier.   

You may be thinking that a one year old can’t understand the number one.  But they do.  When they play Peekaboo, they see one thing (like your face) and then it goes away (behind a blanket).  The equation 1-1=0 is hysterical to them.  Even though your one year old probably will not recognize the numeral 1, he or she CAN understand the amount of one.  Your baby is a genius!

Playing some simple games with your three to five year old will help them develop a better Number Sense.  This process is also VERY helpful for early elementary students who struggle to understand number concepts.  (I ALWAYS assign these games to my struggling math students.)

 

Many of the games I will present today come from the book Developing Number Concepts Using Unifix Cubes by Cathy Richardson.  Sadly, this book is out of print, but it is worth tracking down a used copy.  Amazon and Ebay usually have several inexpensive copies available.  This book has activities that strengthen skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, patterns, and so much more.  I think it is worth every penny. 

You don’t need fancy schmancy math manipulatives to help children develop a Number Sense. One of the first things I do with my young learners is to find an age appropriate small toy that they like to play with to use as counters. 

Shopkins are popular for girls.  Or you could use Lego Mini figures for boys, or just some plain Legos.  Beans are cheap, but not as motivating.  M&Ms are just a little too tempting for my taste. If you have Unifix cubes, this is a great way to use them.  Get a butter container or a plastic cup- anything that is not see through and that is large enough to fit all the counters inside.

We are going to focus first on the number (amount) as opposed to the written numeral.  We’ll get to numerals eventually.

 

 

Game 1 : How many are in the tub?

 

Secretly put a number of counters under a plastic cup.  Have the child peek under the cup and quickly subitize (know the amount without counting) the answer.  Repeat with another amount.

 

 

 

 

Game 2: Matching Number and Numeral Correspondence

Put one counter under the first cup, two counters under another cup, three under a third cup, four under another cup, and five counters under the last cup.  Mix them up.  Make a numeral card for each of the number amounts used.  Turn them over and mix them up.  Take turns looking under the cup to subitize the amount, and turning over a numeral card.  Try to match the amount with the numeral card.

 

 

 

Game 3: Making Equations

Step 1: Start with one less toy than your child’s age.  My son is 5, so I’m going to start with four Lego Mini figures.  Show your child all of the toys.  Then secretly put one of the counters under the butter tub.  Put the remaining toys on top.  Ask the child how many are under the cup.  Most children should be able to know how many are in the cup. If the child has no idea, start with a smaller amount.  If this seems a little two easy, you can increase the beginning amount by one. 

Step 2: Repeat Step 1, but put two counters under the cup instead of one.  Then three, etc.  Do not go on to a higher beginning amount until you have completed at least steps 1-5.

Step 3: When you feel like your child has an understanding of how many are in the cup, start using some math language.  “There are 3 on top of the cup.  How many are inside the cup?” “One” “Yes.  One counter is inside the cup because one plus three equals four.” And “I have four counters.  I’m going to put some inside and 2 on top. How many are inside?” “Two” “Yes, because four minus two equals two.”

Step 4:   Now each time you play the game, show the child the written equation.  1 + 3 = 4.  2 + 2 = 4.  3 + 1 = 4.  This is also subtraction . 4 – 1 =3.  4 – 2 = 2. 

Step 5: Feeling daring?  Did you know this game is really ALGEBRA?  Your four year old is a smartypants.  Use the term “unknown.”  Say this: “I’m going to start with four counters.  I’m going to put an unknown amount under this cup.  There are 3 on top of the cup.  What is my unknown amount?” After the child answers, show your child this equation.  x + 3 = 4.  (This step is not from Developing Number Concepts.  It's just from me.  I learned the value of exposing Algebra to young children from the Life of Fred Books.  You can read my LoF review here.)

This game can take just five minutes each day.  You could start with the first two steps, then add a step each day. After a week, increase your beginning number of counters by one, and follow the steps. 

Step 6: Eventually you can have your child copy the equations on a marker board or a piece of paper.

Step 7:  See if they can write the equation on a piece of paper without any prompts.  There are three different ways to write any representation.  1+3 = 4.  4-1=3.  x +3 = 4  are all the same thing.  You could also have them practice writing them vertically.

 

These are just a few of the games found in Developing Number Concepts Using Unifix Cubes that I use with so many of my students.  Whether your child is in PreK or Kindergarten or is struggling to retain math facts in elementary school, these games are sure to help your child succeed in math.

Need more help?  I love tutoring elementary children in Math! Let me know how I can help your child.

Confessions of an Extroverted Homeschool Mom

Is it just me, or are there like THOUSANDS of blog posts about introverts who homeschool? 

I’m not complaining. I imagine it is very hard to be an extreme introvert while homeschooling.  The kids are always around.  You have to find groups for them to socialize in.  It can be tough.  I love reading Simple Homeschool’s blog.  The founder of Simple Homeschool is an introvert.  She has written multiple posts about  homeschooling as an introvert.  Last December, she even put together an Introvert’s Mom’s Advent Calendar with little activities for introverts to do each day in order to recharge themselves.  I hear it was very popular. 

First of all, this is not a blog to roast introverts. Introverts are some of my favorite people.  I’m married to an EXTREME Introvert.  My college roommate is an introvert.  My roommate from overseas is an introvert.  I like them.  They let me talk.  Usually.

Also,  homeschooling is difficult.  Whether you have blonde hair or brown, like coffee or tea, roll toilet paper over or under, teach classically or unschool, have an extroverted or introverted personality… homeschooling is difficult.

Since Extroverted-Homeschooling-Blogger-Moms seem to be in the minority, I am going to step up today and be their voice. (This is totally a self-nomination.)

I’m not really that outgoing.  I don’t have a gazillion friends (but you can read here about some of my closest friendships.) I’m not the life of the party.  But I am an extrovert. 

The word extrovert comes from the Latin extro (outside) and vertere (to turn).  Extroverts turn to the outside for motivation and recharging. Introverts turn inside.

Every once in a while someone hears that I'm an extrovert, AND THEY DON'T BELIEVE ME. 

 

Evidence that I am an Extrovert:

Exhibit A

I was 2 years old.  My mom was incredibly sick with the flu.  She put the tv on for me and tried to take a nap on the couch.  What she got was a toddler staring her straight in the face pleading, “Don’t leave me, Mommy!”

Exhibit B

If I was sick in high school, I would sometimes stay home by myself while my parents went to work.  As soon as my mom came home I would follow her around the house for hours, even though I felt bad. I just needed the company.

Exhibit C

In college, every time my roommate left to take a shower, I would leave our dorm room and find someone else to talk to.



I’ve calmed down a little in my old age. Things are quieter here in the country.  I can’t just walk ten feet to the next door neighbor’s house to borrow a cup of sugar.  Now I have to walk through a cornfield or jump on the golf cart for a farm fresh egg.  Did I mention my husband is an EXTREME introvert?  I can’t full on extrovert him when he comes home from work. He needs time to sit in his little cocoon and process the day. The point is… I’m calmer.  Usually.

But there are some reasons why an extremely extroverted personality can make homeschooling challenging.



Mini Me and I are suffering from Cabin Fever

1. Extreme extroverts are easily distracted. 

 I spend too much time scrolling facebook on my phone when I’m waiting for my kids to finish assignments.  I just want to know what's going on in the world.  If you text me during the school day, I will probably answer you.  If you call me, I may just answer the phone.  I sometimes live in a fantasy world- I’m pretty sure I live in Stars Hollow with the Gilmore Girls.  I still have a crush on Calvin O'Keefe, and I can make myself cry thinking about Matthew Cuthbert.  Any time I see an injustice in the world, it reminds me of my loathing for Professor Umbridge.  Anyway, if I’ve been reading before school starts, it is super hard for me to want to get started with our school day.  I also have a difficult time staying on task when there are so many characters living in my head.  Let me be clear, book characters are not a great substitute for real live people spending time with me, but they help.  (It’s kinda like switching from sugar to stevia in my coffee… not quite the same, but it’ll do.)

2. The feeling of loneliness is my nearly constant companion. 

I’m rarely by myself, but I feel like I’m alone.   I love my children, but they do not fulfill my need of people.  I’m sure that other extroverts may feel differently than I do, but I have fairly specific needs that have to be met before I feel like I’m not alone: I need to be with an adult who is genuinely happy spend quality time with me.  I spend my day trudging through school subjects that my children may or may not want to study.  This is not what I would call quality extrovert time. 

3. It is easy for me to be depressed when I feel alone. 

It is hard to be a good teacher when I’m depressed.  Do you see the cycle here?

There are also a lot of great extroverted attributes that make homeschooling easier for me.

1. When I get that feeling of loneliness, it reminds me to draw back to God. 

James 4:8 says, "Come near to God, and He will come near to you."  I have found that to be true in my life.  And when I spend time with my heavenly Father, I am a better teacher.  A better person.  A better friend.  Please don’t get me wrong- Introverts are great at this, too.  It is much easier for them to just “Be still and know He is God.” I’m just explaining how God gets my attention.

2. I live for community days! 

We are part of Classical Conversations, which meets at a church once a week.  I’ve been subbing in the morning for Foundations and tutoring Essentials in the afternoon.  I tell you what… when we get home we are all exhausted.  But I feel more alive than I have all week. 

Our Essentials Class is learning how to write a Bibliography

3.  The need for community also drives me to open my home for tutoring and classes. 

My absolute favorite class I teach is Shakespeare Camp.  I love having people in my home.

Devotions at the Cross during Shakespeare Camp

What To Do If You Are An Extroverted Homeschooling Mom

1. Draw near to God.  He's the only one who can fill the void of loneliness you may feel.

2.   Put your kids in classes.  Stay and have some coffee with the other adults. Go to the library.  Go on Field Trips! Have school at McDonald's or Starbucks one day.  GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.

 

 

3. Join an adult Bible study or a class.  I just joined a dance aerobics class.  It's great fun!

4. Have playdates!

5. Be sensitive to your children’s personalities.  I have two extroverts and one introvert.  They need different things. 

6.  Be sensitive to your Introverted friends. They love you.  Just differently.

Four of my attendants are introverts.  They love me. I tell them so all the time. :)

Any other Extroverted Homeschool Moms in the House?!