We are at the point in the school year where some kids know ALL of their multiplication facts and others know very few (only the 0s and 1’s). No matter where your students are, one thing is sure, they need to practice! In our school we are fortunate to have a block of time each day called “Small Group Instruction” and it is devoted to pulling small groups and targeted intervention. During this time I am always looking for activities for my students to do (rather than worksheets…whoomp whoomp). Here are a few things that I put together for my classroom and they have been a huge hit!
Fact fluency is a huge part of third grade. We practice with flash cards and with the tradtional games (like multiplication war, multiplication BINGO, etc), as well as doing Fast Math on the computer. I like to introduce different centers where students can work on activities to strengthen their skills. I also like that each of my centers can be easily differentiated for each group that goes to it. For example, if I know that my two highest math groups will be working at a particular center, I can put out more challenging fact work. In my centers, the kids don’t even notice that the differentiation because they are all doing the same activity!
Multiplication Fact Practice: Cut and Paste
Students can cut out the math facts, sort them based on the product, and glue the math facts where appropriate. After they complete the cut and paste, there is a written sheet that they can work on to further practice their skills. I have many different versions of this and the kids love the cutting and gluing!
Multiplication Fact Practice: Target Dice Roll
Students choose one of the 9 different “Target” pages. They roll a die and write the number in the middle of the target. Then they complete the math circle by multiplying the middle number with all the numbers around it, filling in the blanks. I find that my students are motivated and engaged as they practice their math facts because it feels like a game.
Multiplication Fact Practice:Spin a Number
This multiplication activity uses a paperclip and pencil to create a spinner (NO Prep!). Students spin a number and use that number to complete the math facts, then solve. There are entire pages devoted to specific facts (such as the 5’s) as well as pages with mixed facts. I like to have everyone work on a page that are from a fact group that they are struggling with, and then they can move on to one with mixed facts!
Multiplication Fact Practice: Roll and Solve Game
This multiplication activity uses a die and can be done with a partner or independently. Students roll a number (or 2 numbers) and use that number to complete the math facts, then solve. There are entire pages devoted to specific facts (such as the 5’s) as well as pages with mixed facts.
Multiplication Fact Practice: Factor Flip
This is a math activity that helps students learn and practice their math facts. Students can use the provided printable cards to flip over and fill in the missing factors on their paper. Then they can solve for the product.
Multiplication Fact Practice: Picture Puzzles
Students solve the math facts and match them with the correct product to create a picture puzzle. Students can work independently or with a partner. I like to use all 10 puzzles as a center and allow the students to work their way through several during center time. I copy these onto colored card stock and then laminate for added durability (read: I am only making these once:)).
Multiplication Fact Practice: Jumbo Dice
Students can use the provided dice templates to roll and record their math facts and solve for the product. There are also game sheets so students can play against each other trying to get the highest product. Students can make their own dice or you can make them ahead of time, which sometimes is quicker and easier. I make them and save the from year to year to save time. They LOVE the big dice and are super motivated by this center!
Multiplication Fact Practice: Multiply and draw
Students spin a paperclip spinner (copied right on the page..ie NO PREP) and answer a math fact from that section. Once they complete all the math facts in a section, they can draw that part of the picture. There are entire pages devoted to specific facts (facts 2-12’s). This is definitely a FAN FAVORITE! Kids love to finish their facts so that they can create their drawings! I let them choose whether or not they want to draw their picture like the sample or their own way. They often try to convince me to let them do several different sheets because they enjoy it so much!
I have listed all of these different activities in my store individually, as well as at a discount in a bundle. Each activity is packed with opportunities for differentiation and tailoring to meet your students’ individual needs. These can be used as centers, for fast finishers, with small group instruction, and so much more! This bundle is a total of 157 pages!
Happy Multiplying!
~Heather
