Multiplication Charts
Materials:
Full Multiplication Control Chart
Half Multiplication Control Chart of essential multiplication tables.
Full Multiplication Finger Chart
T. Hester rev. 2014
MECR/2014
Half Multiplication Finger Chart
Blank Multiplication Chart (Bingo)
Box of multiplication problems and answer chips showing all possible sums for the Blank Chart.
Box of answer chips only.
Prepared paper. Pencil.
Preparation:
Multiplication Board.
Addition Charts.
Check that the materials are complete.
Age:
6-8 years.
Direct Aims:
To explore patterns of multiplication facts and the commutative property of multiplication.
To memorize the basic multiplication facts.
Indirect Aims:
To prepare for abstract work with multiplication.
To develop concentration, coordination, order and independence.
Presentation I – Multiplication Tables Control Charts – Analysis
1.
Show the child the Multiplication Full Control Chart.
2.
Compare Multiplication Table of 1 to the Multiplication Table the child made.
3.
Compare Multiplication Table of 2. Note the repetition 1x2=2 and 2x1=2. You don’t need to memorize it twice. Place a strip of paper over the duplicate equation, 2x1=2.
Continue in same manner.
4.
Discuss the commutative property of multiplication. Ie. 3x2=6 and 2x3=6.
5.
When the duplicate equations are covered, show the child the Multiplication Half Control
Chart which shows only the combinations that must be memorized. It looks like the
Multiplication Full Control Chart with the paper strips on it.
6.
Tell the child that they may get either chart to check their multiplication work. Replace the Charts.

Presentation II – Multiplication Finger Charts
1.
Invite the child to work with the Multiplication Full Finger Chart.
2.
Place the Multiplication Full Finger Chart on the table with the box of problems
(equations) and sums.
3.
Ask the child a familiar multiplication problem. Ie. “Do you remember what 2x3=?”
4.
Place the left index finger on the numeral 2 on the left side of the board. Place the right index on the numeral 3 in the top row. Draw fingers across and down to meet on the product 6.
5.
Invite the child to do a multiplication equation.
6.
Take a problem (equation) and use the Multiplication Finger Chart to find the answer.
Record the problem and answer on prepared paper.
7.
Invite the child to continue.
8.
Check answers with either the Full or the Half Control Chart.
Later change the Multiplication Full Finger Chart to the Multiplication Half Finger Chart.
1.
Discuss the Multiplication Full Finger Chart. Consider duplicate problems as in
Presentation I. Use paper squares to cover duplicate products on the right side of the board.
2.
Show the child the Multiplication Half Finger Chart and compare to the Multiplication
Full Finger Chart covered in squares.
3.
Show the child how to use Multiplication Half Finger Chart.
Presentation III – Blank Multiplication Chart (Bingo)
1.
Invite the child to work with the Multiplication Blank Chart.
2.
Place the Multiplication Blank Chart on the table with the Multiplication Full Finger
Chart above it.
3.
Place the box of equations and answer chips on the top left of the table.
4.
Take out the chips and place face up on the table to the left of the Blank Chart.
5.
Pick an equation. Think of the answer. Check the answer on the Full Finger Chart.
6.
Find the answer chip with that sum and place it in the right location on the Blank Chart.
7.
Encourage the child to continue.
Vocabulary:
Names of the various charts.
Points of Interest:
Seeing all the multiplication tables on the Control Chart.
Covering the duplicate equations with paper slips.
Seeing that the Half Control Chart includes all the products as the Full Control Chart.
Using fingers to find products with the Finger Charts.
Filling the Blank Chart with answer chips.
Control of Error:
The two Control Charts.
Using all the answer chips on the Blank Chart.

Variations:
1.
For the Finger Charts for each equation solved, place the answer chip next to the equation card.
2.
Oral Games – Child #1 reads an equation. Child #2 gives an answer. Child #1 checks on Control Chart.
Child #1 reads a product on an answer chip. Child #2 gives a possible equation. Child
#1 checks on Control Chart.
Extensions:
1.
Record all equations on prepared paper or in a notebook.
2.
When covering up duplicate equations, cross out the duplicate in the child’s multiplication book.
3.
Record a Full Finger Chart on prepared paper.
4.
Start with the product. Use only the answer chips. Select one. Consider what is an appropriate equation. Place it on the Blank Chart and record the equation on prepared paper.
5.
Sort the matching answer chips. (2’s, 3’s, etc.) Find all possible equations to satisfy each product. Record the equations.
Notes: