Here are four invaluable questions you can ask to continue helping your child with Multiplication:
4 of the best questions to ask to help your child with Multiplication
Well done for figuring that out,How did you do it?
This is a really good way to help your child learn maths with more understanding.
★ Pass it on ★ There are lots of different ways that they might choose to figure out a multiplication sum
They might understand that 1x6, 1x8.. means one lot of six, one lot of eight
They might understand that 2x6, 2x8 means the same as double 6, double 8 and remember doubles.
They might use 'continued addition'.
For example 4x6 is the same as 6+6+6+6
6+6=12, two sixes are twelve
12+6=18, three sixes are eighteen
18+6=24, four sixes are twenty four
They might use doubles and doubles again for 4x6, 4x8
They might draw a picture (e.g for 4x6 6 rows each with 4 dots ).
They might draw a blank number line.
Find out more about how number lines can help.
Or your child may remember a particular number fact.
They might use a remembered fact e.g. 6x6=36 and add one more lot of six to figure out that 7x6=36+6=42 ( one of the most poorly remembered multiplication facts)
They might know that 10X6 is the same as six lots of ten, sixty.
Do your best to listen and value what your child has to say, as it will go a long way in helping your child with addition and providing them with invaluable support.
Can you think of other sums that you have figured out at the same time?
Again there are lots of different answers to this question. It is particularly good to pair multiplication sums e.g. 6X4=4X6 and match a multiplication sum to it's 'continued addition sum' e.g.6X4=4+4+4+4+4+4. Making connections in this way is a great way to make maths seem much easier for your child.
If your child thinks of one answer and then stops, you could then suggest another answer and maybe try to take turns.
At a higher level If 6X4=24 then 6X40= 240 and 60X4= 240
At a higher level still 6X0.4=2.4
Can you think of other sums that would have the same answer?
Because this encourages your child to connect one sum to another it is another great way to make maths seem less challenging.
Again having worked with 6X4=24, changing the order gives 4X6=24
As continued addition 6+6+6+6=24, 4+4+4+4+4+4=24
Splitting numbers 2X2X6=24, 4X3X2=24
Or unrelated e.g. 1X24=24, 2X12=24, 30-6=24
Educationalists love open-ended questions
because educational research consistently demonstrates that open questions yield the most exceptional learning outcomes for our children.
The questions suggested here all have lots of answers - They are open-ended questions and they encourage every child to confidently give an answer and share their thoughts. Nothing short of brilliant!
But here's the real bonus: open questions provide opportunities to find out what a child has learned already WITHOUT the need for anxiety inducing tests!
Can you think of a story to go with that sum?
This is a great way to associate maths with something much less scary for your child. This is also a great opportunity to relate sums to real life.An example might be : "There were 4 boxes of eggs left on the shelf. Each box had 6 eggs in it, that's 24 eggs altogether."
It is also important to think about
The best way to respond when your child gives a wrong answer
It's important but difficult to know how to respond when your child gives a wrong answer.
Try your very best to respond in a way that reassures your child that mistakes are not only okay but are, in fact, some of the best opportunities for learning. By fostering an environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process, you not only encourage your child's confidence but also help them develop resilience and a positive attitude toward challenges—great building blocks for their future success.
★ Pass it on ★ Ask "How did you get your answer". As they explain they may come up with a different answer or if not any areas of misunderstanding will become clear.
