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• Basic Multiplication Practice Test for 1st Grade – [Medium]

Basic Multiplication Practice Test for 1st Grade – [Medium]

Jessica Kaminski

Updated on September 22, 2023

At the heart of early arithmetic is a topic that may seem complex to young learners, yet serves as a foundational building block for more advanced mathematics: multiplication. At Brighterly, we believe in lighting up young minds by breaking down intricate subjects like multiplication into fun, digestible lessons. In this article, we’ll journey through the basics of multiplication tailored specifically for 1st graders.

Understanding the Concept

Before diving into multiplication tables and exercises, it’s paramount to grasp what multiplication truly means. Picture this: You have three baskets, and each basket has two apples. How many apples do you have in total? Multiplication helps us answer this. Instead of adding two apples, three times, multiplication gives us a shortcut: 3 (baskets) x 2 (apples) = 6 apples. Essentially, multiplication is just a faster way of adding the same number multiple times. By presenting multiplication as an extension of addition, it becomes less daunting for young learners.

Visualizing with Tools and Activities

• Counters and beads: Utilize tangible items like beads or counters to group them in numbers. For instance, five groups of three counters each would visually represent 5 x 3.

• Number lines: Drawing a number line helps children visually understand multiplication. By marking jumps on the line, kids can see that 4 x 3, for instance, means jumping in threes, four times.

• Drawing and coloring: Engage your child’s artistic side. Ask them to draw four groups of two flowers each. Counting all flowers will show the result of 4 x 2.

Reciting and Memorizing

As with many subjects, repetition is the mother of retention. After understanding and visualizing multiplication, it’s time for some memory work. Start with smaller numbers, such as tables of 2s, 3s, and 4s. Turn the learning process into a game by introducing multiplication rhymes or setting a timer to challenge your child to answer as many multiplication questions as they can within a minute.