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Teach Your Child The Multiplication Tables: Fast, Fun & Easy with Dazzling Patterns, Grids and Tricks! Review by Tina Rice
Fast, Fun & Easy with Dazzling Patterns, Grids and Tricks!Eugenia Francis
TeaCHildMath®
Infinity Publishing Company
1094 New Dehaven Street, Suite 100
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2713
877-BUY BOOK
http://www.teachildmath.com/
and
http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/
Teach Your Child the Multiplication Tables: Fast, Fun & Easy with Dazzling Patterns, Grids and Tricks! (TYC) is another example of an educational product designed by a parent to help a struggling child succeed in school. Ms. Francis spent 15 years developing teaching materials. She taught at both the high school and college levels. When her son struggled to learn the multiplication tables, she developed TYC to help him.
TYC is a 166-page workbook designed for 2nd and 3rd graders (or older students who just don't get the multiplication tables). It uses patterns, grids, and tricks (hence the name) to teach students how to multiply. It is not a complete math program but rather a supplement to whatever your family chooses for math.
At first glance TYC looks hokey. It is built around a circus theme and filled with monkeys, elephants, clowns, and hot dogs. Once you get past the goofy layout (which, I must say, most children will like) you will find a well-laid-out formula for understanding the patterns associated with the multiplication tables. I was particularly impressed with Rudy's Secret Code for 2, 4, 6, and 8; and the formula for odd or even.
The spaces and blanks left for student work are appropriate for most 2nd and 3rd graders, not too small or too large and babyish. Students should understand the concept that multiplication is repeated addition and know how to skip count before they begin TYC. If you do not like workbooks, you will probably not want to use TYC.
I like TYC. It is well thought out, and it explains in-depth the why's and how's of multiplication in simple terms. Your child will take a number journey with Rudy the Ringmaster mouse through the multiplication circus, with the end result being a better understanding of the multiplication tables.
