MULTIPLICATION HELP
A fact may feel difficult when it has less obvious counting patterns, looks similar to another fact, or has simply not been practiced as often. Every child’s difficult facts can be different, so it helps to notice patterns without assuming everyone struggles in the same way.
Use a small set of mixed flashcards with no excessive time pressure. After a few rounds, sort each fact by how it feels right now:
Automatic — answered comfortably and accurately
Developing — correct with a short pause or a helpful strategy
Needs focused practice — not yet consistent or often confused
Begin with a familiar fact, then add one equal group:
5 × 7 = 35
Add one more group of 7
35 + 7 = 42
A doubling connection makes this fact easier to build:
7 × 4 = 28
Double 28
7 × 8 = 56
The commutative fact 8 × 7 = 56 is the same product, so it can be practiced as a familiar partner.
5 × 8 = 40
Add one more group of 8
40 + 8 = 48
7 × 10 = 70
Subtract one group of 7
70 − 7 = 63
8 × 10 = 80
Subtract one group of 8
80 − 8 = 72
Children can use 2s, 5s, 10s, doubles, and the commutative property to reason through an unfamiliar fact. These connections give a fact meaning before recall becomes automatic.
6 × 7 and 7 × 6 have the same product, but children should be able to recognize both forms. The commutative property means they are connected—not unrelated facts that must be memorized separately.
1 minute: Review three known facts
2 minutes: Practice two or three difficult facts
1 minute: Mix the difficult facts with known facts
1 minute: Record progress and end with a successful fact
Timing should begin only after a child can answer accurately. Start with a comfortable response time, then reduce it gradually as confidence develops. Accuracy and calm recall come first.
Avoid practicing every difficult fact simultaneously, repeating incorrect answers without correction, using speed as the only measure of progress, making sessions too long, or comparing children. Small, supported wins build stronger recall.
What are usually the hardest multiplication facts? Facts involving 6, 7, 8, and 9 are often less immediately familiar, but the specific facts vary by child.
Should my child memorize or use strategies? Use strategies first. They build understanding and help recall become faster with practice.
How many difficult facts should we practice at once? Two or three focused facts are usually enough for a short session.
What if my child keeps confusing similar answers? Return to a strategy, say the matching equation aloud, and mix it with a few known facts before trying again.
About the Educator
Michael Lary has approximately 15 years of classroom teaching experience and more than 20 years of tutoring experience. He created For Real Learning to give children clear, structured ways to strengthen foundational math skills.