Assign the students to pairs, and ask each student to select three multiplication facts that he or she wants to work on. Have the students cut two triangles from each of two file cards. Demonstrate how to make a triangular
flash card by putting the two factors in two of the corners and the product in the other corner. Ask them to make triangle fact cards for the facts they chose, then trade them with their partner. Ask each student to cover the product on one card with his or her thumb, show the card to the other student, and ask him or her to tell the product.
When the students have had a chance to try all the cards, distribute the Rules for Card Games. Students will then play a new card game, Climb the Ladder.
Next, show the students how to play The Product Game.
Initially, you may choose two students
to play the game as the rest of the class watches. You may need to call their attention to the oval-shaped markers at the end of the number bar. As students begin to understand the rules for play, other pairs may work together at their computers to play the game.
To conclude the lesson, have students complete their My Multiplication Chart activity sheet. At this point, you should see significant progress in their mastery of multiplication facts.
Alternatively, or in addition to the above activities, students can work (either individually or in pairs) to review the multiplication facts by using the Concentration activity.
To do so, students should select the mulitplication facts under Levels, and either 1 or 2 players. In this activity, students match the factors with their associated products (shown in various representations explored in this unit.)
