Teach Your Kids to Learn Multiplication With #FingerMath

I never did like Math. I guess I just have a really big dislike for numbers. When I was in second grade, my mom had to drill me everyday after school to memorize the multiplication table. I would recite it over and over and when I made a mistake, I had to start from 1 x 1 again. I would say that started my dislike for math. Not to blame my mom, I knew she meant well, but it was way too much for me as a 7 year old.

Technology has made learning math easy and enjoyable for the early learners. However, I learned a trick that would not need any gadget. I passed this on to my children when they were young. It is simple Finger Math to help kids remember the Multiplication Table of 6 up to the Table of 9.

Hold your hands palm up facing you. The forefinger will represent the number 9, the middle finger will be 8, the ring finger will be 7 and the pinky finger will be 6. See picture below:

Now that we have assigned a particular number for every finger, let's do some finger math. Let us first try the equation seven multiplied by eight (7 x 8). Simple join the finger corresponding to the number 7 on your left hand with the finger corresponding to the number 8 on your right hand. Once you have done that, the fingers joined together and all those below it will be counted as multiples of "10" which gives you "50." All the other fingers above the ones that are joined together is counted as "1." Multiply the number of fingers above the joined one on your left hand with the number of fingers also above the joined one on your right hand. Looking at the picture below, that will be three (3) times two (2) equals 6. Add 50 and 6 together will give you 56. Therefore, the answer to 7 x 8 is 56.

Did I confuse you more? It is really easy with practice. Try experimenting and you'll get the hang of it. I still use this method when I get attacks of "selective amnesia." Below is another picture to show how to do finger math on the equation eight multiplied by nine (8 x 9):

Try playing around with this simple learning aid. Teach your children how to do finger math. Its free, it does not need batteries and you can take it with you anywhere you go.

If you need other tools to make learning easier and more fun for the kids, search the web for printable materials that would teach young learners about other subjects too.

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