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We’ve been working hard to overcome another math hurdle here lately. Division! If you remember, place value was our first big math hurdle with Squeaks, and now after lots of practice she’s a pro. Math is a pretty consistent source for learning to overcome challenges, so it was about time to face another one I suppose. While multiplication hasn’t been too big a leap for Squeaks thanks to our skip counting practice, making the connection to division has been difficult. You really can’t have one without the other though, and strengthening multiplication skills can really only help in understanding division. So I wanted to share some resources we’ve been using to sharpen Squeaks understanding of both.
Get your Skip Counting Cards & Multiplication Square here!
Multiplication and division resources we love:
I purposefully kept this list short. This is a quality over quantity situation. In my opinion, consistent and frequent use of solid resources is the way to go. Mixing in tons of different activities and constantly trying new methods tends to confuse Squeaks. So we’ve picked our favorites and we’ll stick with them.
1. Multiplication Slam
Think Bop-It, but for math. Lol! It does make noise, but there is a volume control and even a headphone jack (I know this is pertinent information when it comes to noisy toys). From the description: “Includes 5 fun math games for kids that teach multiples, math facts, factors, factor pairs and sequencing. Reinforces multiplication concepts for numbers 1–9.” It also has a challenge function where the games are timed so Squeaks can see how fast she is and try to beat her “high score”. Since it’s self correcting, Squeaks can do this one on her own or even during quiet time!
2. Multiplication and Division Wrap-Ups
These are so simple and SO effective. Squeaks can wrap the string around each key to show the answer to the problems, then turn it over and check the answers on the back. Another self-correcting independent way to practice her multiplication and division math facts. And this one makes no sound at all! So it’s perfect for quiet time, independent learning, or car-schooling.
3. Multiplication and Division Printable Fact Family Activities
It’s pretty much instinct now to create an activity to help with the educational hurdles we face in our home. Our division hurdle has been no different. I wanted to create an activity that would make the connection between multiplication and division very visible and hands-on. This printable Fact Family Apple Tree set does the job perfectly and can be printed off right away at home. The set includes:
- Two pages of the “Fact Family Tree”-one labeled and one unlabeled for different skill levels.
- One page of the “Apple Grouping” for better visualization of separate groups, and apples within groups.
- 100 apple manipulatives.
- Apple Fact Family cards in number and group form from 2s to 10s.
Simply choose the visual concept that best suites your student’s learning needs. For example, the Fact Family Tree will help those who have trouble converting the visual groups (shown on the cards) into actual equations. The Apple Grouping activity will help learners who may struggle with visualizing the groups and how they correspond with the fact families themselves.
The Fact Family Tree has been most helpful to Squeaks, but she really enjoys the hands-on aspect of counting out the groups of apples on the Apple Grouping mat.
Get your Fact Family Apple Activities here!
4. “Pet Me” Logic Roots Division Board Game
Game-schooling is always a popular choice around here! What I like about this particular game (other than the fact that it strengthens Squeaks division skills) is that it has different skill levels of play. There’s a cooperative version where we work together to “feed” the groups of animals at the park, and two competitive ways to play as Squeaks math skills get stronger. It will grow with her! The game has won several awards, is super cute (especially if your little learner loves animals like Squeaks), and is easy to play!
5. Math Tango App
I’m not one to choose a screen to learn new concepts and there are very few apps that I would say are “worth it”. Math tango is most definitely worth the cost and the screen-time. All my kids enjoy this app, and have learned and retained a ton of math skills from it. It has addition and subtraction for younger kids, as well division and multiplication for older, so it’s another activity that can grow with us. The kids complete math activities to earn points and grow their “world” in the game. They can also complete daily challenges and design funny little monsters. It’s very cute, super entertaining, and the activities are effective!
Consistent use of these resources has already improved Squeaks understanding of division as well as sharpened her multiplication skills. Here’s to overcoming those math hurdles!
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