Need for memorizing multiplication tables???

[jacynamommy]

We are in Beyond and my son has started multiplication in his math 1B book. When I was a kid, I remember memorizing multiplication tables and being quizzed on them. He's just starting and I haven't looked ahead at the multiplication, but I'm curious if he will need to memorize like I did for those numbers to stick in his head or if he'll just pick that up??? I never learned multiplication with pictures like he's learning, so I'm curious if it will stick in his mind the same. Any thoughts??? Thanks!

[netpea]

He eventually memorize the math facts that get used all the time, it will be slower than if he memorized the tables but it will stick.

[countrymom]

He doesn't need to memorize them for 1B for sure. What you do beyond that will be your preference in how you want your child to learn. I am operating under the principle that my child will not memorize anything in math until he has had plenty of opportunity to understand the concept and work with that concept thoroughly. Only then will I consider drills. We are far enough along (2A) where I can see we won't drill addition/subtraction. It remains to be seen on multiplication, but for now I am not and he is doing fine. Anything that a child learns by repetition and applying concepts will stick in their mind (much better than memorization) so no need to worry about that.

[creativemommy]

YES, it will stick in his mind. I just had to reply to your post as I was singing the praises of Singapore NOT drilling math facts into our kids tonight to my husband.

My dd is in 1A but she is constantly adding things while playing and when we're shopping. (Look Mommy, there are 3 boxes there and 4 boxes there and that makes 7). We haven't drilled addition or subtraction but she knows her facts thanks to Singapore making it fun and taught in a way that she really UNDERSTANDS it.

My ds is halfway through 3A (we began with him in Singapore in 1A) and he is doing lots of multiplying (i.e. 148x2)- we NEVER drilled addition/subtraction or multiplication facts but he knows them. When we're out shopping he will be quick to figure out that if each box costs $2 and we're buying 7 (after his sister's quick addition) he'll tell me it'll be $14 when we check out.

[my3sons]

I agree, no need for memorizing the multiplication tables with Singapore. The line of questioning and direction of mental processes leads dc to learn the same information in the table with more deep thinking than rote memorization of it could provide. My ds is in 3A now, and he has his facts down so well. I remember the same thing happening about now with my older ds. Fact memorization comes later with Singapore, but when it comes, it's here to stay.

In Christ,
Julie

[jacynamommy]

Thank you ladies! I shouldn't have questioned it, I suppose, as my son had picked up on the math and subtraction well...it's funny how we get so "programmed" at doing things a certain way that we just expect that's the only way to do it! I am thankful for no memorization, as I can only imagine what a dreaded part of the school day that would quickly become!

[mrsrandolph]

I have 2 words for you "ROCKET MATH". Google it. It is an AMAZING program for fact memorization ONLY. ALL YOU NEED is the flashcards. You go through them in a recommended progression and in a certain way. I LOVE Rocket Math!!