This winter, I reviewed Math PictoCards, Multiplication Set from Math PictoCards. This was the perfect time for me as my oldest son was learning multiplication. Included in the set were forty-five multiplication PictoCard flashcards, nine higher doubles and triples flashcards, one multiplication chart and one fillable chart, a multiplication teacher's guide, three sample fact family cards, and one multiplication dry erasable math mat.  The quality is excellent and should last through multiple children.  

First, a parent should read the manual as it will explain exactly how to use the materials.  I love that it is spiral bound and lays flat when opened. The manual covers eight steps to introduce multiplication, followed by nine lessons to teach the math facts; however, this is not designed to be one lesson per day. The Outline for Introducing Multiplication section states, "give sufficient days to master the concepts in each section." Each of the nine lessons involves three steps, and each lesson states, "repeat this lesson over several days until students have a good understanding before moving on to [the next lesson]."

This model of multiplication teaches students through five areas: vocabulary, thinking skills, mind imaging, confidence, and understanding.  It is a comprehensive manual and goes step by step.  For example, it shows how to progress the student from objects (concrete thinking) to abstract thinking. To do this, it recommends laying things on cookie sheets in groups. It also explains the actual thinking processes and why they work.

As the student learns each new step, they will memorize with pictures in their minds. For example, the manual recommends letting the student draw the number of objects because "having students draw pictures results in better understanding than looking at pictures because drawing uses more of the senses." 

When introducing multiplication, Math PictoCards uses skip counting. Math PictoCards provides free downloadable charts for this. Skip counting is an excellent method for multiplication, and my son uses this all the time. In addition, Math PictoCards also introduces the Regroup Strategy before beginning to teach the nine lessons.

The reusable dry-erase math mat is perfect for students to practice their multiplication facts. The flashcards are fantastic for daily practice. The flashcards contain reversible multiplication, such as 2x3=6 and 3x2=6, so they learn both facts.  The facts are grouped into families to help the child draw correlations.

This is a hands-on method for parents and students, so it is not an independent learning curriculum.  However, I consider that a positive because then I know my son fully understands the material. 

This program is not meant to be sped through but taken step by step. Parents should continue each step and lesson until the student has a solid understanding. This process will teach children multiplication, and division will be much simpler after using this method.  I like how this program works and how it teaches the parent exactly how to teach! Math can sometimes be a more challenging subject to teach; The Math PictoCards, Multiplication Set greatly helps take the struggle out!  

-Product review by Jenny Underwood, The Old Schoolhouse®, February 2023