MTS Math 8.6 The Multiplication Charts

Shu-Chen Yen's On-Line Montessori Albums

MATH DEVELOPMENT ALBUM

8.6 THE MULTIPLICATION CHARTS

MATERIALS:

Chart 1:

This is a control chart. It contains all of the possible combinations of multiplication facts from 0-9. (all of the tables)

Chart 2:

This is also a control chart. There is just one of each combination of numbers on the board. It avoids repetition by eliminating all commutative factors.

Chart 3:

This is a practice chart. 1-10 is written on a blue band across the top of the board; 2-10 is written on a red band down the left side of the board. It contains all of the multiplication tables --- all of the possible combinations.

Chart 4:

This is another practice chart. The left side is a band of red 1-10. The right side is the square of its number in red on that particular row. (The right side is in the stair-step effect.)

Chart 5:

This is the "Blind Chart" with the box of tiles.

AGE:

5 and up

PRESENTATION:

Chart 1:

The child can use this to check his problems (from the problem box or those you make up or those he has made up or a ditto sheet of problems).

Two children can drill each other on their facts.

Example: 6 x 3 Count over 6 from the upper left corner, then down 3 to 18.

Chart 2

One combination of each fact.

Chart 3

A more abstract representation of the multiplication tables.

Example: 6 x 8. Find 6 in the blue column with the right index finger; find 8 in the red column with the left index finger; bring one finger downs the other over until they meet at 48.

Chart 4

More abstract still.

Example: 9 x 8. Find 9 on the red column with the right index finger; find 8 on the red column with the left index finger; bring the right hand over as far as possible; bring the left hand over as far as possible; bring the left hand down and the right hand back to the left until they meet on 72.

Chart 5

The "blind chart"

This is like Chart-3 but without the numbers filled in. The child makes up problems or uses the problem box and places numbered tiles in their appropriate spaces.

CONTROL OF ERROR:

1. The graduating difficulty (and abstractness) of the charts.

2. Chart 1 and 2 can be used as controls for the other charts.

3. Teacher verification

POINTS OF INTEREST:

1. Working with a friend to learn the tables.

2. Bringing the fingers down and over to discover the answer.

3. Checking problems with the control chart.

4. Making up problems.

5. Writing the problems.

6. Making a Multiplication book.

AIMS:

1. To learn the multiplication facts.

2. To transfer from concrete to abstract representation of multiplication.

3. To develop concentration and independence.

4. To develop a sense of accuracy.

VARIATIONS/EXTENSIONS:

1. Writing problems.

2. Making a multiplication book.

3. Dittos of problems.