Yikes, I fell on my face with the times tables and it led to hell in fourth, fifth, sixth... from then on. Learn Your Times Tables! Heck I STILL have to calculate minor multiplication problems because I don’t have the answer programmed in. Like 8X7. Or 9X8.
I fell on my face with the times tables
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How this saddens me.
There are “tricks to the trade” that could be taught without the stressful torture of rote memory. Yes, automaticity with basic facts is helpful, but there are building blocks to understanding those facts. At least from my experience. Instilling confidence, rather than degrading a student, is a start.
But what do I know...
Daggum. Why are there so many posts today pertaining to math? (rhetorical) I have retired from teaching!
Do the 9 times table with your fingers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIebtzs5BJc
Oh, you might be in my camp.
I am a math moron.