Games to Learn Times Tables

Learning times tables is the first step in learning how to solve every multiplication problem. Developing a good foundation in multiplication tables will give children a future advantage in learning division and other mathematical problems. Making learning times tables fun will greatly increase children's interest and therefore their retention of the topic. Consider infusing games into classroom learning to see interest peak and comprehension soar.

Multiplication Circle Game

Have students sit in a circle. Choose a student to start who stands behind the person to his right. These two students will compete against each other. Hold up a large flash card with a multiplication problem on it. The first student to say the correct answer moves on to compete with the student to his right. The losing player either remains sitting or takes the seat of the winner. The first student to make it completely around the circle and return to his original seat is declared the winner.

Times Table Tag

Divide students into two groups who form two single-file lines. Put two equal stacks of multiplication problem flash cards a short distance away. The first person in each line races to take the top card from her pile, solves the problem and discards the card, and races to tag the next person on her team. If a student incorrectly answers, she puts the card on the bottom of the pile and selects another card until she knows an answer or until five cards have been selected. The first team to correctly answer all the multiplication cards wins.

My Name is....

Write a multiplication problem such as "5 x 5" on a name tag and give one to each student. Students must wear the tags the whole day and may no longer use each other's names to communicate, but must refer to their peers by the answers to their multiplication problems. Also, they must respond only to their own answer. For example, the student with "5 x 5" would answer to "25" instead of his real name. Be sure that no two multiplication problem results in the same answer.

Dice Game

Divide students into two teams that form two single lines. The first person in each line rolls a die. Both students must then multiply the two numbers that were rolled. The team whose student finds the correct answer first wins a point. Both students go to the end of the line, and the next two players in line roll the dice. The game continues until all students have played. The team with highest score wins.