Multiplication is a huge topic for third graders. I spend a lot of time building conceptual understanding of multiplication with my students, practicing multiplication with manipulatives, pictures, word problems -- you name it! Ultimately, though, in order for students to be able to solve problems using multiplication efficiently, they do need to learn some of their multiplication facts. Thus, the Multiplication Challenge was born.
When I was a third grader myself, I had to get my "multiplication license." On the big day, my teacher made us all go down a row and verbally recite our multiplication facts. I think I must have passed, but I remember the whole experience being very stressful. I hated everything about it -- practicing my facts at home, reciting them, the anxiety of needing to pass...my stomach hurts just thinking about it! Now I'm a third grade teacher, forcing my students to memorize their multiplication facts. Hmm...
When I was a third grader myself, I had to get my "multiplication license." On the big day, my teacher made us all go down a row and verbally recite our multiplication facts. I think I must have passed, but I remember the whole experience being very stressful. I hated everything about it -- practicing my facts at home, reciting them, the anxiety of needing to pass...my stomach hurts just thinking about it! Now I'm a third grade teacher, forcing my students to memorize their multiplication facts. Hmm...
