A couple of years ago, my oldest child really struggled with learning her multiplication tables. I tried helping her as best I could; I downloaded songs, rhymes, and checked out various books. I tried 5-minute memorization methods and repetition. I tried slow and I tried fast. There was a good bit of frustration and there were a lot of tears, but she eventually mastered them. And - ¡híjole! - I was so relieved!
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So you can imagine my stress when I realized that the time for my youngest to memorize these math facts was quickly approaching. He's not as strong in math as his sister, so I knew that this was probably going to be even more difficult.
And then, I happened to see a deal for Times Tales (aff link). I remembered reading a review in which the mom simply raved about how quick her daughters learned their upper times tables, so I decided to go ahead and buy it.
I was confused at first when all I received was a DVD. I had ordered the basic kit and thought that it came with some sort of game and worksheets. It turns out there are two discs in the case and the second has all the printable materials you need.
I popped the DVD in the player and watched the simple directions: Watch Part 1 and then use the printables to supplement the learning.
So I sat my son down and we hit "play." Thirty minutes later, he knew half his upper times tables and I was overjoyed!
Here's the premise: each number is assigned a character and then a short story happens when two characters get together. Your child watches and learns the simple stories then remembers them when presented with multiplication facts.
It is so simple. And it worked. I can't tell you how much I love this product. I only regret that I didn't have it when my daughter was learning her times tables!
There are two parts to the program. The first part covers the multiples of 3 and 4, and the second part covers the remaining multiples of 6, 7, 8. The program does not cover the easier multiples of 1, 2, 5, and 10.
Part 1 is divided up into parts: first you learn the stories, then you get a Game Show which asks you questions based on the story elements. Finally, you play Beat the Clock and get a timed quiz using only the numbers. When you've completed the video portion, you finish up by taking a written test.
The program recommends waiting a week before watching Part 2, in order to allow your child to master the stories in Part 1.
There is also a CD inside the case that contains the printables you can use with your child after they've watched the DVD. These include a crossword of the story elements, flash cards, printable game dice, and a review test.
I have to tell you that I LOVE this program (aff link). The results were amazing and I'm so glad I made this investment. If you have a child who is struggling with learning his or her times tables, this is so worth buying! Even if your kid is a whiz at math, this product is another way to make learning FUN.
Enjoy!
It is so simple. And it worked. I can't tell you how much I love this product. I only regret that I didn't have it when my daughter was learning her times tables!
There are two parts to the program. The first part covers the multiples of 3 and 4, and the second part covers the remaining multiples of 6, 7, 8. The program does not cover the easier multiples of 1, 2, 5, and 10.
The program recommends waiting a week before watching Part 2, in order to allow your child to master the stories in Part 1.
I have to tell you that I LOVE this program (aff link). The results were amazing and I'm so glad I made this investment. If you have a child who is struggling with learning his or her times tables, this is so worth buying! Even if your kid is a whiz at math, this product is another way to make learning FUN.
Enjoy!
