Multiplication games for 3rd grade are all the rage—and for good reason. They are fun, interactive, and make math seem a little less challenging.
Here are some reasons you should ditch the flashcards and embrace 3rd grade math worksheets, multiplication games, and other interactive alternatives.
Multiplication in the Past
Learning multiplication tables is a rite of passage, in a sense. Most adults that I know can remember learning their multiplication facts.
They usually know exactly how they memorized them. Some of us sang songs, others watched videos, but for the most part, we learned from flash cards.
It’s human nature to teach the way that we learned. This is why it is so difficult for some educators (and parents) to give up the ‘old ways’ of doing things.
Like it or not, our kids are products of the technological age and most prefer to (and learn better) through multiplication games.
Here are some of the fun ways for parents looking for ways to beef up times table skills without breaking the bank.
Multiplication Games for 3rd Grade and Beyond
3rd grade math worksheets, multiplication or otherwise can be a bit boring unless you find the perfect set. Even if you do land some great supplemental sheets, you’re going to want to find other interesting ways for your child to practice facts.
Use Playing Cards
A step up from flashcards, regular playing cards are one of the best multiplication games for 3rd grade students. There are a million ways you can play, single or with a partner.
If working alone, pull two cards and multiply the two numbers together. If working alone, each person can pull a card and then multiply the amounts. Fact-checking each other helps boost multiplication skills.
Play Games Online
This isn’t something we have to introduce to kids. After all, they love to play games online. Although Fortnite and Minecraft are fun, they aren’t going to turn ‘I hate math’ into a love for numbers.
There are a ton of useless games on the internet that are marketed as educational. For multiplication games for 3rd grade and up to be helpful, they need to be based on math standards and focused on exact skills.
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For this reason, subscription programs are usually better than ‘free sites.’
Break Out the Dominoes and Die
When it comes to 3rd grade math worksheets, multiplication can be difficult to learn. Consider playing with dominoes instead.
Much like playing cards, this can be done alone or with a partner.
Place the dominoes face down on a flat surface and mix them up. Take turns pulling a domino and multiplying the numbers.
For more difficulty, pull two dominoes, add each end and then multiply the numbers.
The same game can be played with dice. Let’em roll and then multiply!
Make Play-Doh Arrays
This one isn’t as easy as the others, but it is one of the most fun 3rd grade multiplication games. To play, grab a pack of multiplication flash cards.
These can be bought for a dollar or you can print/make some yourself.
Next, each person will grab a tub of Play-Doh and pull a card. Each player will take turns pulling a card.
[subscribe=20543]When the multiplication problem is shown, use marble-sized pieces of Play-Doh to make an array.
This is a great, multisensory way to play multiplication games for 3rd grade.
Play Rock, Paper, Scissors
This isn’t the traditional version, but you still use your hands. Standing with a closed fist over your other palm, say ‘rock, paper, scissors, shoot’ and then flash any number, 0-10 with your fingers.
The other person you are playing does the same. The first person to multiply both numbers and say the product out loud wins.
Repurpose Your Egg Cartons
A regular egg carton is a great tool for practicing multiplication facts. Once the eggs are gone, skip the trash can and grab a sharpie. Inside the top left corner of the valley where the first egg used to sit, write a number 1. Beside it, write a number 2. In the next space, a 3. Keep going until all of the space are full.
Working with a partner, take turns placing some type of counter in two of the spots and then turning the counter around so your partner can see. They must multiply the two number that are marked. If this seems too easy, Try multiplying three or more numbers!
Create Artwork
One final multiplication game for third graders is more creative activity than it is a game. Still, it can be just as effective as multiplication games, so it is a good mention.
Have students pull a multiplication flashcard and then draw an image based on that card and write the problem down beside it.
For example, a card might read 2x2=4. A student who has pulled this card might draw a cow with four legs or a person with two sets of buttons on their shirt.
Not only is this a great way to memorize multiplication facts, but it also gets the creative juices flowing for kids who are better at art than adding.
Finally, remember that regardless of which activity your child uses for practice, it is the effort and repetition that matters.
