Elementary students are often required to learn multiplication tables. In most cases, there isn't a simple way to figure out the answer to a multiplication problem, you simply have to memorize it. A fun activity to help reinforce hard-to-learn math problems is to create a multiplication house. Students can create a house with 13 windows containing multiplication problems on each. Behind the window flap is the answer to the math problem.
Instructions
1. Select a multiplication number that is harder to learn. For example, many people struggle with "6s," "7s" and "8s."
2. Use a pencil to draw an outline of the house including a roof. The house should be square or rectangular in shape and take up an entire page of paper, as it needs to have room for 13 windows.
3. Draw at least 13 windows, though more can be added if needed. These windows can be placed anywhere in the house, depending on personal preference, but should be large enough to write a multiplication fact vertically in it. Draw large panes in the windows that resemble a "+" sign so each window is evenly dived into four sections.
4. Write the multiplication facts on each window pane starting by multiplying with zero and ending with multiplying with 12. Use the window panes as a guide to where to write your numbers. For example, if you're creating a multiplication house for 6s, the top left window pane section should remain blank while the top right window pane should have an six in it. The bottom left corner should have a multiplication sign, while the right bottom corner should have a zero. The finish product will have the math problem "6X0" being displayed vertically.
5. Cut three corners of the each window so it forms a flap. Cut out the house and glue it on a sheet of construction paper being careful not to glue the window flaps to the paper.
6. Open each window flap and write the correct answer to the math problem behind it. For example, if your window displays the math problem "6x2" you would open the window flap and write "12" behind it.
7. Decorate the multiplication house once you're done. Students can color them in with crayons, markers or color pencils. Other decorations, such as glitter or stickers, may also be used. Once the multiplication house is finished, encourage your students to practice memorizing their math problems with it. Students can compete with their friends to see which child can correctly answer the most multiplication facts correctly, as well as who can answer the problems the fastest.
Tags: each window, math problem, should have, window flap, window pane