Multiplication for Grades 3 & 4
Order in which to learn multiplication facts:
Commutative Property, 1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers , 3, 6, 12, 8, 7
Use Mahesh Sharma “Sequence for Teaching Multiplication Facts” (His only go to 10, so add 11 after 9’s and 12
after “remaining six facts”) to help students see the relationships between the facts and how they build upon each
other.
Goal for End of Grade 4:
 All students are automatic *with multiplication facts through 12 x 12
Goal for End of Grade 3:
 All students know commutative property, and are automatic* with multiplication facts for 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11
*fluent means that facts are recalled within 4 seconds
*automatic means that facts are recalled within 2 seconds
Set up each student with a folder where they can keep triangles, grids, practice sheets, games, past tests, scoring
sheet.
Monday:
 Each student graphs their score from Friday on the Multiplication Facts Score Sheet
 Each student sets a goal factor. For example, if the students set 9 as the goal factor, they will work on 9’s
but also will be tested on 1, 10, 2, and 5.
Tuesday – Thursday:
 In class: 15 minutes daily practice building triangles and practicing with them, filling in grid, using flash
cards, dice, online games, etc.
 Homework: At least 5-10 minutes with flash cards (have parents sign on)
Friday:
 Each student takes a timed written test based on their goal number (see below)
Each test has 30 problems and each Friday students are timed for 2 minutes (120 seconds). At the end of 2
minutes, teacher collects test and scores. The score will be out of 30. If the student gets all 30 correct in 120
seconds, they are fluent (4 seconds per fact).
Test #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Goal #
10
2
5
9
11
4
sq
3
6
12
8
7
Facts on Test
1, 10
1, 10, 2
1, 10, 2, 5
1, 10, 2, 5, 9
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers, 3
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers, 3, 6
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers, 3, 6, 12
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers, 3, 6, 12, 8
1, 10, 2, 5, 9, 11, 4, square numbers, 3, 6, 12, 8, 7