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An Alternative to Multiplication Tables

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For most of my teaching career, I used multiplication tables for my students. I ALWAYS thought they were such a great tool for those who hadn’t mastered their facts yet.

But as I watched my students use the multiplication tables, I realized they weren’t really gaining any fact fluency. My students were just constantly lining up those factors to find the product and move on to the next problem.

I wanted a tool that could support my learners, while strengthening their fact fluency.

So I turned to multiples charts instead…and I haven’t looked back!

Why multiples charts?

Multiples charts provide the same reference material as a multiplication table, in a more concise format. I truly feel these charts are less overwhelming for all learners.

And there are so many benefits.

  • multiples are easier to navigate…students only need to follow a vertical path
  • they are faster to use, no need to line up rows and columns to find that product
  • the repetitive use of multiples helps students memorize patterns and gain fluency
  • students can see various patterns with ease, referring to a column only
  • the smaller size of a chart is much easier to store than a full-size multiplication table

Above all, my students LOVE the charts. The bright colors and easy-to-navigate layout have made them a go-to reference.

Actually, the charts were such a hit for my math groups that I started making more for our school…and ended up making them for every student in grades 3-5!

creating the charts quickly

After making a zillion of these for our school (ha!) I’ve found a few steps that make it easy to create them quickly, while ensuring they are long-lasting.

  • Print the charts on cardstock…this will prevent them from getting folded or bent.
  • Cut with a paper trimmer (so MUCH faster and it will save your hand!)
  • Laminate for longevity.

(I’m actually pretty anti-laminating these days because of the plastic waste. However, it does create a nice dry erase surface and my students use their markers to identify patterns and circle products)

storing the charts

The smaller size of the charts makes it easy to store them in a variety of ways. For my math intervention students, I just keep the charts in a clear container so they are ready to grab each day.

I’ve also seen some great ways to store them in the classrooms around our school:

  • in math toolkits, along with manipulatives
  • as a placeholder in a math workbook (this keeps the chart in good shape!)
  • taped on student desks for a daily reference

ready to try multiples charts?

Would you like to try multiples charts with your students instead? I have these bright charts available right on site:

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What are your thoughts on multiples charts versus multiplication tables? Please share below!

Kristen Beakey

I’m an elementary math coach with a passion for sharing beautiful, streamlined solutions to save teachers time.  Ladybug’s Teacher Files has been a work of love since 2010. Filled with organization, time-saving ideas, and make and take tech tutorials…I strive to save you time in all aspects of your teaching!

2 Comments

  1. Multiplication charts have always been my go to as well. I love that this chart is similar to taking the training wheels off! The support is still there, but they have to think more of working with multiples and pattern fluency! I will definitely be incorporating these! Thank you so much!

    Reply

    1. Hi Eran! I love your analogy…so true! Thanks for taking the time to read this…I’m so glad it could help!!

      Reply

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