Multiplication Facts Practice with a Twist!

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Do your students need to practice multiplication facts? Do they dread it? What if there was a way for them to practice in a way that engages them and more importantly is really effective? Keep reading to see how I give my students multiplication facts practice with a twist!

What’s the Twist?

Instead of repetitive (boring) fact practice – let them use error analysis!

Yes – instead of trying to memorize multiplication facts using flashcards (either paper or digital) – give them a challenging activity that will help them store and retain those facts in their long-term memory!

Plus – they love it! See what some happy teachers have said about this Multiplication Facts Error Analysis:

“You stole my heart at error analysis. My students were engaged and this activity provided a lot of discourse. Thank you!” – Diana R.

“My students were engaged and enjoyed this activity. It was low prep and easy to implement and adapt” – Kristina M.

“I enjoy doing error analysis activities with my students to get them thinking differently. I love seeing the lightbulb click!” – Annie

Multiplication Error Analysis – How it Works

Your students will use math models to determine if the multiplication fact is true or false. They will have to write to explain their answer using math vocabulary. Math models + writing in math = Win-Win!

Choose the Math Model

The nice part of this resource is that you can choose which math model you want them to use: array, equal groups, or picture depending on what you are teaching and working on at any point in the school year! I know that my 3rd graders always needed extra practice with arrays – so this is one way I would give it to them.

When should you use Multiplication Error Analysis with a Twist?

The simple answer is as soon as you begin instruction on multiplication.

I always taught multiplication facts in groups: 0 – 3; 4 – 8; 9 – 12. Breaking it into small groups is more manageable for 3rd graders. Since this resource has all the multiplication facts 0 – 12 – you could plan to use the error analysis task cards in these small groups too.

This activity is perfect for math centers!

Put the cards for multiplication facts 0 – 3 in the center with lots of copies of the error analysis worksheets. Students can work on this set of cards for a week or more.

As you work through your multiplication unit – bring out each group of task cards as needed. Using error analysis is always a great way to increase rigor in your math centers or small group practice.

End of School Year Multiplication Fluency Practice

Of course, many of your students will not have mastered all the multiplication facts by the end of the school year.

So, this is the perfect time to give them multiplication fact practice with a twist! Many of your math scholars will be more ready for this challenging and engaging activity than they were earlier in the school year!

Plus, you may have students who know their multiplication facts by the end of the year – but you still need to challenge them during math.

This Challenge a Classmate Worksheet is perfect for that! Students will write a challenge multiplication fact and challenge a classmate to draw a math model to prove whether it is true or false. You know they want to trick their classmates! This Challenge worksheet includes the writing element as well – so you know that the rigor is not lost during this fun activity!

If you want an even bigger challenge for your students – check out this post that shows how I use multiplication word problems with error analysis to give my students more fun when working with word problems!

This Multiplication Facts Practice with a Twist Activity using error analysis will be such a versatile resource for your classroom. Use it while teaching multiplication, as test prep, as an end-of-year activity for multiplication fact mastery, and as a rigorous and challenging classmate activity!

Grab this versatile and rigorous Multiplication Facts Error Analysis resource now!

Other Multiplication Resources for your Classroom

The post Multiplication Facts Practice with a Twist! appeared first on Teaching in the Heart of Florida.

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