How to Teach Multiplication: 16 Best Ways
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on January 30, 2026
Understanding how to teach multiplication doesn’t require a pedagogical background, as there are many tools and approaches available today. Learn how to choose the best teaching method for your child’s needs and skills from the list below! As a tutor myself, I’ve chosen only the ways that work for my students.
Key points
- Before jumping into teaching multiplication, make sure they have the math foundation needed to understand this operation, meaning the ability to add and a number sense.
- To make studying easier and more fun for your child, involve games, colorful books, multiplication tables, and other helpful tools in your practice.
- Among all the methods in the list, I would recommend individual tutoring as the way for kids to learn multiplication. It ensures undivided attention to your kid and the choice of teaching methods that will suit them best.
- Brighterly offers a free demo lesson with a tutor, free worksheets and diagnostic tests, and 1:1 math tutoring programs at an affordable price.
How to start teaching multiplication?
When starting to teach kids multiplication fact, you should ensure they understand the basics, meaning addition and skip counting, number patterns, grouping, and repeated addition. Once they’re all set with the introduction to multiplication and math basics, multiplication shouldn’t be a serious challenge. However, here’s the truth: your approach and methodology matter a lot.
Here are 16 easy strategies to teach multiplication that have been proven helpful.
16 traditional ways to teach multiplication
- Integrate interactive 1:1 math lessons
- Practice with multiplication worksheets
- Use Knowledge Base
- Play fun math games
- Apply visual multiplication models
- Practice with multiplication mix-ups
- Read math books for extra support
- Break the times table into chunks
- Consider multiplication as repeated addition
- Try dot multiplication activities
- Start with multiples of zero
- Explain multiplying by one
- Introduce multiplication tables gradually
- Teach commutative properties
- Give a simple calculator
- Practice reciting the multiplication table
#1 Interactive 1:1 math lessons
Tutoring sessions can be the best way to learn math. Given that kids’ academic performance, learning style, and math goals are different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will suit them all. Still, with a personal math tutor, you can expect they will apply the most appropriate combination of teaching methods that will help your kid achieve the desired outcome as soon as possible.
There is a variety of online tutoring services out there, but according to many reviews on Trustpilot and Reddit, Brighterly is recommended paying attention to as the platform that understands how to teach basic multiplication.
How Brighterly can help your kid learn multiplication
Brighterly math and reading platform is a K-12 school-supplemental online tutoring service. To help your kid learn multiplication and other math concepts, they offer 1:1 sessions.
While registering at Brighterly, you’ll get a private tutor to determine your kid’s strengths, knowledge gaps, and learning goals. Upon prior consultation, they’ll design an individual learning plan that will tackle all their grade-relevant math problems, including multiplication and beyond.
To be a fun way to teach multiplication, Brighterly tutors include interactive methods and games in the math program. They are aware of all the teaching methods listed in this guide and will find the best combination to help your kid master this math skill as fast as possible.
Also, in case your child lacks relevant math foundation knowledge to understand multiplication, Brighterly tutors will address and fix this problem before proceeding to teach the new skill.
#2 Multiplication worksheets
Introducing multiplication worksheets is relevant when your kid needs multiplication-focused exercises for regular practice to master this skill. This method of teaching multiplication is highly effective for kids who have the necessary math foundation, understand how multiplication works, and need time and space to work on this new skill at their own pace.
Based on a Simply Psychology study, repetition is the basis for reaching mastery, and practicing with worksheets is considered among the most effective teaching methods for any skill. Still, when it comes to multiplication, the problem is that worksheets require discipline, undivided attention, and self-motivation, and many days nowadays lack these traits.
That’s why I recommend paying attention to interactive and engaging worksheets from Brighterly.
What’s inside Brighterly multiplication worksheets
Free teaching multiplication worksheets from Brighterly include sets of multiplication-focused exercises. They are categorized by grade, concept, and in connection with other topics (like factor tree or inequality word problems). Also, they are part of a larger set of hundreds of free printable math worksheets on Brighterly.
I recommend starting with multiplication worksheets for grade 2 and steadily increasing the complexity level of exercises by adding new worksheets.
Note: You can also access free diagnostic math tests that help to determine the current level of your kid compared to their peers and see other topics to practice with Brighterly math worksheets.
#3 Knowledge Base practice
Using the Knowledge Base to teach multiplication is another way to access hundreds of free materials from the website of a reputable teaching service. Usually, top tutors are eager to share their expertise with people for free (like I do on this blog), so it’s a great idea to research what they offer. It’s highly likely you’ll find useful tips, insights, and exercises related to multiplication there.
For example, Brighterly Knowledge Base includes step-by-step instructions, how-to guides, and quizzes in addition to free worksheets and tests. They are worth your attention.
Multiplication-focused materials from Brighterly Knowledge Base
Multiplication – definition, examples, practice problems knowledge base from Brighterly covers several topics related to multiplication, including:
- Basic Multiplication: This material is full of fun examples and shows multiplication as repeated addition.
- Cross Multiplication: A step-by-step guide how to apply cross multiplication to equations.
- Identity Property of Multiplication: Helps to train the rule of multiplying by 1.
- Long Multiplication: A multi-digit, complex multiplication described step by step.
Brighterly’s Knowledge Base is the easy way to teach kids multiplication because you can work with different materials in many formats that are easy to adapt to each student. Once you strengthen this knowledge with free worksheets, tests, and personalized tutoring, your kid gets fully equipped to excel in math at school.
#4 Math games for multiplication
Gamified learning is the best way to teach multiplication, boosting your child’s material retention if applied correctly. No one can doubt the power of gamification in math learning, but remember to use it as a teaching method, not just for entertainment.
Generally, there are two best options to help your kid learn some concepts: make it fun and show how it can be related to real-life scenarios. Math games combine both!
Game ideas to try
- Multiplication board game: Roll dice and learn multiplication tables.
- Online multiplication games: Incorporate technology to foster kids’ skills and learn a multiplication chart.
- Real-life scenarios: Engage your kid in some real-life fun, like counting toy sets and pizza slices.
#5 Visual multiplication models
Before moving to abstract calculations, use visual multiplication models — this is the easy way to teach multiplication that helps kids tangibly understand this concept. Among the possible tools that can help you, consider drawing a number line, arranging objects in arrays, and grouping their toys to compare and multiply.
Visuals that work
- Number Lines: This is a fun one — a number line shows multiplication through jumps.
✅ Example: Let’s say you have to count 4 x 5; start at 0 and make four jumps of 5. This will help your child skip counting and understand multiplication patterns.
- Arrays: Set a number of objects in rows and columns to visualize an array and represent multiplication.
✅ Example: Draw three rows of 4 circles each to solve 3 x 4. This way, kids can see multiplication as repeated addition (4 + 4 + 4).
- Objects Grouping: Use everyday objects like cards, blocks, and kid-friendly products to create equal groups.
✅ Example: In order to solve 7 x 2, make seven groups with two objects in each. It fosters a hands-on understanding of multiplication.
#6 Practice with multiplication mix-ups
As a way how to teach associative property of multiplication, multiplication mix-ups show the perfect balance of afterschool fun and classroom teaching. In essence, this method introduces tasks that invite kids to arrange or draw conclusions based on the position of multiplication pieces they practice with.
Types of multiplication mix-ups
- Matching Games
In this classic version of multiplication mix up, you’ll need supplemental materials like flashcards or online games. Based on what you’ve got, you can utilize different types of tasks, including true or false, missing digits, high-speed multiplication, categorization, and many other
- True or False
This method helps to engage kid in someone’s multiplication process. Show them the math statement or a random multiplication result and ask them if it’s corrent or wrong (and what the mistake is).
- Missing Digit Puzzle
In this scenario, you replace one of the digits in the multiplication statement with a question mark, block, or empty space. Once kids master this puzzle, you can be sure that they are prepared for working with division.
✅ For example, in the ? x 5 = 25 statement, 5 is the missing digit.
#7 Math books for extra support
Colorful, abundant books are an easy way to learn multiplication, captivating kids and sparking their interest. To be even more interesting to them, most publications use animals and other visually appealing objects to grasp their attention.
But you should choose those books carefully. Pick only those your kid would like to open outside their classroom.
Math book recommendations
- The Best of Times: Math Strategies That Multiply by Greg Tang
- Math for Minecrafters: Adventures in Multiplication & Division by Amanda Brack
- One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale by Demi
#8 Break the times table into chunks
Introducing multiplication can be easy for your kid if you break it into smaller chunks. For some kids, the key obstacle to multiplying is considering this operation as too complicated and grand, and this method is highly effective in overcoming this problem.
For example, you can first let them solve multiplication problems for numbers one to five. Alternatively, you can teach them simpler multiplication for numbers 1, 2, 5, and ten. Once they are well prepared, get down to the other numbers.
#9 Repeated addition
Kids typically find multiplication confusing because they don’t understand the patterns. But if they learn to view multiplication as repeated addition, things will go much smoother. Yes, this approach may fail when dealing with three-digit integers, but it works perfectly with smaller numbers and is also the easiest way to learn multiplication.
For example, to solve a problem like 4×2, kids can add 4 and 4 to get 8. If there is a two-digit number and a one-digit number, as 10×5, children may calculate 50 by adding five times ten. However, note that repetitive additions get more complex as the numbers increase.
#10 Dot array activities
Dot array activities are a new math multiplication method that reinforces the understanding of multiplication as repeated addition, helping to visualize this abstract concept with dot arrays.
For example, if you have 7 x 5 statement and your kid struggles to understand it as adding sevens, you can represent it with dot arrays and work on the multiplication with its help:
For more fun, you can replace dots with stars, apples, blocks, or any other tools you have at home. Actually, by switching supplemental materials, you can teach your child that abstract multiplication works under the same rules no matter which real-life objects you choose to illustrate its laws.
#11 Start with multiples of zero
Zero is an intriguing and complicated concept in explaining multiplication. Look at this: your children may find 4+0 = 4 understandable, whereas 4×0 = 0 may confuse them.
An easy way to help kids understand the model of zero is through words and pictures. You may ask, “If I don’t give Brandon any pencils, how many will he have?” Clearly, “none” is the answer. That’s one way to begin teaching multiplication by zero.
Alternatively, you can show them your fist to build a real-world connection — when no fingers are out, you have none. As the saying goes, multiplication by zero always equals zero, none. This is also how to teach multiplication to special education students.
#12 Explain multiplying by one
When studying multiplication area, your kids know that anything multiplied should increase in value. However, things work differently when multiplying by one since anything multiplied by this number remains the same. After all, this is the easy way to explain multiplication to kids👇
Ask them, “If I give Brian an orange once, how many oranges does he have?” One would be the correct answer. “But what if I give Brian eight oranges once?” How many will he have? The answer will be eight — the number won’t grow. This mental charade is the best way to teach kids multiplication by one.
Generally, understanding multiplication is always better than solely memorizing it — no matter which tool you choose to help your kid.
“I think a lot of parents rush straight to flashcards, but without understanding, it’s just random numbers to kids.”
#13 Introduce multiplication tables gradually
Many parents and children fear multiplication tables, and for good reason. It’s hard to tackle the whole table with a couple of sittings. To simplify the learning, you may first start with tables 1 to 5.
Beginning with the most basic numbers may help youngsters learn this step more efficiently.
- First, ensure the kid has a hard copy of the multiplication table.
- Then, have them tackle the less complex sections using basic counting or repeated addition.
- Once they can deal with simple numbers, get down to more complex ones.
#14 Teach commutative properties
Commutative property means that the result remains the same even if one changes the order of numbers. As the way how to learn multiplication easy, commutative properties reduce the stress kids may feel when approaching this math operation and build the link with the same rule in addition (also reinforcing their understanding of multiplication as repeated addtion).
For example, in a 2*4 equation, 2 may be put before 4 or 4 before 2. Anyway, both 2*4 and 4*2 will give the same result of 8.
#15 Give your child a simple calculator
I’m not suggesting using the calculator as a way to multiply. But you can use it to teach multiplication to struggling students and reinforce base multiplication skills.
For example, call out two factors, such as “3 and 7.” They should input the two factors into the calculator by pressing the multiplication (x) button in between. Then, give them about 30 seconds to think about the answer. After that, ask for their guesses. Once they respond, instruct them to press the equals button to check their answer.
If they handle multiplication tasks like this one, you kill two birds with one stone:
- the kid improves multiplication skills,
- and learns to handle a calculator.
#16 Practice reciting the multiplication table
Memorizing the table can be tough, but for some kids, it can be a great option how to teach multiplication to a child. There’s nothing bad in allowing kids to learn by heart a couple of times. Instead, it’s a fool-proof method for teaching multiplication you should encourage.
First, ask them to remember the easier numbers, such as the 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, and 11s. Then, continue with the more challenging ones. Little by little, your kid will memorize the table — even if you begin with a partial table like 2s.
How to teach multiplication to grade 2
The trick to teaching multiplication to 2nd graders is to incorporate gamified learning as much as you possibly can. The best methods include playing fun and engaging math games, starting with multiples of zero, and explaining multiplying by one.
Note: Some schools introduce multiplication concepts earlier as part of foundational math, but it’s often informal or focused on understanding patterns. To find out more, read the article on when do kids learn multiplication.
How to teach multiplication to grade 3
The best methods to teach multiplication to 3rd graders include introducing multiplication tables gradually, practicing with multiplication worksheets, practicing reciting the multiplication table, and explaining multiplication as repeated addition.
Note: Students begin learning basic multiplication facts (e.g., 2×2, 3×4) and understanding the concept of repeated addition.
How to teach multiplication to grade 4
The best methods to teach multiplication to 4th graders include using visual multiplication models, breaking the times table into smaller chunks, practicing multiplication mix-ups, and practicing with a calculator.
As children progress to more complicated forms of multiplication, such as multi-digit variations, it becomes essential to deepen their understanding through visual models, step-by-step breakdowns, and real-world applications. Area models, partial products, and place value strategies are useful for complex multiplication before transitioning to algorithms.
Note: Students move on to more advanced multiplication, including multi-digit numbers.
Easiest way to teach multiplication: Conclusion
In elementary school, multiplication may take up to third grade to fully master the concept. As children progress to 4th grade, students move on to more advanced multiplication, including multi-digit numbers. Multiplication can become a common stumbling point for many students, but there are definitely certain ways to speed up the studying process.
To understand multiplication, you can use many methods. I recommend breaking it into chunks, hiring a personal tutor, and trying to make the whole multiplication practice more engaging. And remember — the true value comes from what children can use in daily life, so make sure to show that real-world application.
Brighterly is your perfect ally in mastering multiplication since the platform offers a comprehensive approach to teaching it — by giving children clear, interactive tasks, practice, and constant support, guaranteeing the best results in the subject. Book free lesson now!
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