How to effectively Drill instead of just Doodling
What is needed: A good sharpened pencil.
–A quiet place like a desk in a study room away from others
where there will be no distractions from anyone or anything.
–A preprinted Practice Sheet that has 12 to 20 short lines
spaced out evenly on the page and x operator symbols on
short lines
- A copy of the CHART of ALL 64 of the Single-Digit
Multiplication Math Facts
–Optional but recommended: A mentor (over the phone)
who will time Step 3 for the student and/or
join the student when reciting and
call out “OK “ when it is time to use the CHART.
Step 1 (If your mentor has not written the fact of the day
at the top of your practice sheet, write it now.)
Write one factor on a line provided
X2 Trace the small x (The x is called the times operator.)
The number next to the X is called the Multiplier
Think how this math fact represents 2 groups of
3 things, 3 events or 3 traits that are similar in some way.
Step 2
Write the Multiplicand above
3 (The factor above is called the multiplicand)
X2 Say both factors OUT LOUD
multiplier first then multiplicand next.
"Two times three equals "
Or simply say “Two 3s are ”
It may represent two sets of silverware.
Each set has a Fork a Knife and a Spoon
2 (fork knife spoon) = 6 things
Step 3
3 Look, above again, at the Math Fact you are copying
X2 Focus on the answer which is called the Product
6 Trace the line on your preprinted practice sheet Write the Product under the line
then pause and
close your eyes and imagine your pencil
writing the 2 times on the line then
going up to write the 3 above the 2 then swinging down
to write the answer 6.
See this with your Mind's Eye!
Keep your eyes closed!
SAY this math fact "2 times 3 equals 6"
or say "two 3s are six"
at least six times as you
imagine the pencil slowly
going each step
Finally open your eyes and
Write this math fact at least 10 times as you recite out loud each part.
Step 4 Repeat the 3 steps above for the flipped format.
“three twos are six” “three twos are six” “three twos are six”
“three twos are six” “three twos are six” “three twos are six”
To download a complete (3 page) copy of these important 4 steps
go to Get A Copy on this website
C. Drill Instead of Doodling - 4 Steps to the Power Memorization Method
Logically the student's mind will wonder what the flipped factor represents. An example of this multiplication fact with the factors flipped will show that it is an entirely different fact. So here are examples.
Three sets of salt and pepper shakers are often on the tables in restaurants.
3 ( Salt shaker Pepper shaker ) = 6 things
Salt shakers which must be refilled and cleaned regularly so that job has to be assigned to someone in every restaurant to get that done regularly.
3 sets of (a brush and a comb) must be packed for each member of a 3- member family when going on vacation.
Every day 3 meals must be consumed ( a liquid and a solid food ) and people have to plan for how they are going to carry / buy / serve these.
As adults we all use these numbers ie. the math facts, for figuring out how much we need of many, many, many things in our everyday lives! Obviously, if you cannot multiply the single-digit multiplication facts you will find life more difficult.