Learning Multiplication concepts and being familiar with Times Tables is a key milestone for kids in Grade 2. If your child has ADHD, chances are they don't like flash cards or worksheets or any of the other traditional ways of getting these tables down. What are your options?
One option is using Math games, that are both pedagogically sound and can help your child have fun while learning and practicing multiplication. And what better device to try it on, than an iPad or a tablet?
Here are 5 digital Multiplication games and apps, that are well-loved by kids, super-fun, and also pedagogically helpful for your kids. By the time you are done with these, your child is likely to be much more comfortable with Multiplication.
Kahoot Multiplication Games
Made by the team behind Dragonbox series of games after being acquired by Kahoot, Kahoot Multiplication Games is a dedicated app for Multiplication.
The game has a whacky art interface and 20 different mini games for practicing tables of 1 through 10. It's easy to select which table you want to practice and then for that particular tables, the problems keep appearing as different mini games. Some of these games also encourage visualising multiplication and understanding it (though this could have been even more).
What to like: With 20 different mini games all dedicated to Multiplication, the game has enough for practice as well as visualising and learning Multiplication concepts.
What not to like: The game does seem more focussed on practice than learning - and the U/x can be a bit confusing (sometimes it's not clear how to give the right answer). After a few trials and errors though, it should be possible to figure it out.
Multifly
Multifly is a multiplication learning game that tries to help kids visualise the operation of Multiplication. Kids can see array model of multiplication and really understand what multiplying numbers actually means.
What to like: Sequential, simple to easy U/x for kids, focus on learning and practice instead of just practice.
What not to like: Limited content - Monster Math includes this and actually has a lot more content even for multiplication, so might as well get that instead of this standalone app.
Times Tables Rock Stars
Times Tables Rock Stars - a multiplication game from the UK based company, Math Circles - is one of the default multiplication apps used by schools in UK - and for good reason. The game is focussed on flash-card style Math practice, made fun with a rock music theme. Also has a multiplayer mode, where you can go head to head with a friend or a family member.
What to like: Fun, flash card style practice - if your child likes flash cards, but wants something on their iPad, this could be it. Also has detailed reporting on which multiplication facts they are doing well on and which not.
What to not like: There is no free trial, you have to get a paid subscription to even try it out. Also a bit repetitive, if you are looking for something more than flash cards, then this might not be it.
MathEdge Multiplication
MathEdge Multiplication is another Flash Card Style multiplication practice app - without any game-like features. The main thing that stands out for this is the multi-step multiplication practice, very similar to the standard method used in schools.
This makes it especially useful for multi-digit multiplication practice.
What to like: Multi-step multiplication practice. It comes with free content, and an optional upgrade to get access to full features.
What not to like: There is very little learning involved about "how" multiplication works.
Monster Math
Monster Math which also includes Multifly, has a lot of multiplication related content in the form of games. Most of them focus on helping kids visualise multiplication - and then - practice multiplication - in a really fun game format.
Kids play a puzzle platformer but as they solve these puzzles, they are really building their math skills!
What to like: Focused on understanding and mastering basic multiplication facts. Instead of just pushing rote learning, helps kids visually see how multiplication works and then tie it to abstract notations. Also includes a limited free version, and a 7-day trial for the full version.
What not to like: Currently does not have anything for practicing the standard way of doing multiplication. More focussed on learning concepts and practicing basic multiplication facts.
Which ones are right for your child?
With most of these having free content or at least a free trial (except times tables rock stars), trying them out with your child could be the best way to see what works for them.
If your child prefers having flash card style practice and just wants to do that on a device, something like Times tables rock stars might work. For multi-digit, multi-step multiplication practice, something like MathEdge might work better. If you want something with a lot of variety when your child practices Math facts - then Kahoot Multiplication could be it.
If you are looking for real conceptual understanding and help with Multiplication strategies, then Monster Math (which also includes Multifly) could be something to try.
Which one works for your child? Do share in the comments and let us know!
