If you’re of my generation, then you memorized your multiplication tables just like I had to. Once I proved that I had them down, it was time to move on to the “next step” of dividing.
I’ve had lots of years under my belt since then (no, I won’t share how many). What I’ve learned is that the two don’t naturally occur separately. In fact, try this with your kids.
I was sitting with my Goddaughter (she was 5 at the time) and she began singing a song she learned in her kindergarten class that taught her to count in groups of 5.
I tried something out with her…
“How many 5’s are there in 35?”
(mouthing groups of 5 and using her fingers to count groups)
“7!”
I did this a few more times and she got each of them correct … until I became boring to her, that is. What I learned from her is that counting in groups (multiplication) and counting how many of these are in that (division) are natural partners in the way she thinks.
I wish that I could go back to that time that I was memorizing, sit down with me and have this same conversation. I would've told myself to think "how many of these are in that". I would’ve saved myself tears. I would've saved myself frustration. I would've been less bummed out. Most importantly I would’ve gotten faster in shorter order. More practice at second base!
I guess in a way, multiplication tables distracted my path to Major League Baseball! At least that's what I'll blame it on ... ;-)
-Carlo
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