10 Multiplication Strategies That Actually Work (with Free Printable)

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Inside: Discover 10 practical tips for teaching multiplication to struggling students, plus a free hands-on printable that helps make math finally click.

Let me tell you something surprising: after walking through both elementary math and Algebra 1 with my son, I honestly think the basics are sometimes harder to teach than the advanced stuff.

Take multiplication, for example.
Even with my rising 7th grader now preparing for high school Geometry, I still remember the tears, the confusion, and that helpless feeling of wondering “Why isn’t this clicking?”

Because here’s the truth: multiplication isn’t just about memorizing tables. It’s about understanding the why behind the numbers and that’s where many kids (and parents!) get stuck.

If you’re nodding along, wondering how to teach multiplication to a struggling student or maybe an older one who still hasn’t fully grasped it I get it. And I want to help.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 practical tips that made a difference for us. You’ll find ways to make multiplication less tedious, more visual, and even fun. Plus, I’ll show you a printable I made that turned out to be a total game-changer — and how resources like CTCMath fit into the mix.

Pin this image to read the article later. 📌

Do you prefer watching a video instead of reading? Check out my YouTube video instead:

Why Is Multiplication Important? (And Why You Shouldn’t Skip It)

I know how frustrating it can be to teach hard concepts, especially when you’ve explained multiplication ten different ways and your child is still staring at you like you’re speaking Martian.

It’s tempting to just give up and say, “Fine, we’ll just use a calculator.” Especially when you’re working with an older student who still doesn’t quite get how multiplication works.

But before you toss the flashcards and reach for that calculator, hear me out.

There’s no way to move forward in math without the basics.
And multiplication? It’s one of those basics — a skill your child will need again and again as they move into higher levels of math (and real life).

If you want your child to feel confident in math or even just survive high school requirements, then the way you teach elementary math matters more than you think.

Don’t give up on multiplication just yet. There are so many ways to teach it — from hands-on manipulatives and visual strategies to online support like CTCMath or even uncovering a learning challenge that’s standing in the way. One of these could be the key that finally unlocks it for your child.

Why Multiplication Matters

Here are a few reasons multiplication is worth the struggle:

Calculators: Friend or Foe?

I know the easiest and quickest solution to teaching multiplication (especially to struggling older kids) is taking out the calculator. But things aren’t that simple.

Using a calculator for basic operations isn’t helping with problem-solving skills or critical thinking. If they don’t understand the basics of math, they will be building all the following math concepts on shaky ground. That’s not something we want to encourage in math because it’s a subject that continually builds upon itself. There is no way to move forward by skipping or not grasping basic concepts.

Sure, using a calculator is helpful and convenient in a lot of situations, especially for complex calculations or when speed is a priority. But keep in mind that the whole purpose of math instruction is not to get quick solutions but to allow kids to develop skills they can use later, across subjects.

So I want to list some reasons why relying on a calculator before understanding how operations work conceptually might be detrimental to children:

Multiplication is worth the effort. It’s the kind of math skill that quietly powers everything else — and when your child truly gets it, so much more starts to make sense.

10 tips and tricks for teaching multiplication to struggling students

Multiplication is an essential stepping stone in math, yet a lot of kids struggle with it and many homeschool parents are left wondering why it’s just not clicking.

If you’re finding yourself in that boat, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. I think it’s important to understand why multiplication can feel so hard and what you can actually do to help your child make sense of it. We’ll talk about different learning styles, why rote memorization often backfires, and how to make math more concrete and engaging.

But first let me introduce something that made a big difference for us.

A Freebie to Help You Get Started With Multiplication (and a Full Pack If You Need More)

Multiplication can feel like a battle and I’ve been through it long enough to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

That’s why I created the Single Digit Multiplication Pack — a resource built around what actually works when you’re teaching multiplication to struggling learners. It’s designed to give you a strong starting point and offer multiple ways to approach multiplication, so you can explore and see what clicks best with your child.

This is a toolkit designed to help struggling learners make sense of multiplication through:

• Visual explanations
• Real-life examples
• Hands-on activities
• Tactile templates
• Games and strategy ideas

You can start by downloading a free sample, which includes:

• The “How Do We Multiply” anchor chart
• A multiplication games page
• The Cuisenaire rods intro section
• Two cookie grouping templates for hands-on practice

If it helps your child feel more confident, you can grab the full 27-page pack for just $6.50 — less than the price of a fancy coffee, and way more useful.

1. Multiplication Won’t Make Sense Without Strong Foundations

If your child is stuck on multiplication, don’t rush forward. The issue might not be with multiplication at all — it could be with what comes before.

Multiplication builds on addition. If your child doesn’t have a solid grasp of adding, grouping, or understanding numbers as quantities, multiplication is going to feel like a foreign language. And that’s completely normal.

Before moving ahead, check if they can:

• Add fluently
• Recognize patterns
• Understand what “groups of” actually means
• Visualize numbers as more than symbols on a page

If any of those feel shaky, pause and go back. You’re not falling behind — you’re giving your child what they actually need.

A good place to start is using real objects to show grouping, or pulling out visual aids that explain multiplication as repeated addition. (If you’ve grabbed my free sample above, the anchor chart and cookie grouping templates are great for this.)

Sometimes it’s just about slowing down and observing how your child approaches problems — that alone can tell you a lot.

2. Memorizing Isn’t Understanding

Yes, memorization has its place, but if it’s your main strategy for teaching multiplication, you’re setting your child up for confusion later on.

Multiplication isn’t about parroting facts. It’s about understanding why those facts work.

A lot of us grew up memorizing times tables without ever really grasping the relationships behind the numbers. That’s why so many kids (and adults) hit a wall when they have to apply multiplication in new ways. Rote memory doesn’t transfer — understanding does.

Instead of drilling from day one, build fluency through:

• Visual strategies
• Real-life grouping examples
• Pattern recognition
• Manipulatives and spatial reasoning

(Yes, these are all things I’ve included in my printable because one approach never fits all.)

Once your child understands how multiplication works, then spaced repetition and timed drills can reinforce it. But speed should come after understanding, not before.

If you’re into the mastery-before-memorization philosophy, Singapore math method is worth a look.

3. Start With the Concrete — Always

Kids learn by doing. We all know this, but when it comes to multiplication, too many programs rush them straight into abstract thinking — equations, symbols, and worksheets — skipping the hands-on part completely.

It makes no sense.

We give kids time to play with numbers in addition and subtraction, but suddenly expect them to “get” multiplication with barely any concrete exploration. It’s backwards.

Multiplication needs to start with touchable, visual, and real experiences — grouping objects, seeing patterns, building arrays, working with rods or blocks. That’s not fluff. That’s how real understanding happens.

When Marc was learning multiplication and division, we took our time. I pulled out the Cuisenaire rods and base ten blocks every lesson. Was it slow? Yes. Did it feel like we’d never move on? Also yes. But once he understood what multiplication actually meant, he took off — no memorization wall, no conceptual gaps.

That’s the beauty of the concrete stage: once it clicks, it sticks.

If you’re looking for ideas, my printable includes grouping visuals, cut-and-paste templates, and other tools that keep things hands-on before jumping into abstract paperwork.

And if you’re using a boxed curriculum that pushes too fast, consider adding your own pace — or switching to something more flexible.

4. The Jump to Abstract Can Break Understanding

One of the biggest mistakes we make when teaching multiplication? Jumping too quickly from hands-on learning to abstract symbols.

For some kids, this leap feels like hitting a wall.

Math educator Liping Ma emphasized the importance of coherence and clear transitions in elementary math and she’s absolutely right. If kids go from counting cookies to solving 6 × 7 on paper with no in-between step, they’ll often disconnect from the why.

That’s where pictorial representation comes in — a visual bridge between manipulatives and symbolic math. It’s a key part of the Singapore math approach, but even if you’re not following that method formally, you can still weave it in.

One trick that worked wonders for Marc? Changing the language.
Instead of saying “3 times 5,” we’d say “3 of 5” — as in, 3 groups of 5 cookies. That tiny tweak helped him see multiplication as grouped quantities, not random math code.

This is one of the tricks that helped Marc transition from Cuisenaire rods to traditional multiplication, on paper and something that’s beautifully explained by educationunboxed.com in her videos.

Visualizing multiplication as groups or arrays gives kids a concrete structure to hang their thinking on. That’s why tools like cookie templates and group visuals (like the ones in my free sample) can be so effective — they keep things connected as kids ease into more abstract tasks.

If you’re using an online program, look for one that also includes visual or pictorial explanations. Somedo incorporate that step — but don’t rely on the screen alone. Bring it back to paper or real objects when your child needs it.

Bottom line: don’t rush the shift. Build the bridge slowly, and use whatever language, visuals, or manipulatives your child needs to feel secure.

5. Learning Style Matters More Than You Think

I know it sounds like a cliché — “Know your child’s learning style.” But hear me out… it actually makes a huge difference in how multiplication is received.

Some kids need to see it.
Some need to do it.
Some need to hear it.
Some need to move through it.

If your child isn’t grasping multiplication, it might not be the concept that’s the problem — it might be the way it’s being presented.

That’s why multi-modal instruction is so important. When we teach using visuals, spoken explanations, hands-on activities, and interactive tools, we give kids multiple pathways to understanding. And for struggling learners, having more than one way in can be the breakthrough.

Here are a few ways to align multiplication practice with your child’s learning preferences:

• Visual learners: Try Singapore math-style visuals, anchor charts, arrays, or color-coded grouping templates.
• Kinesthetic learners: Bring out the manipulatives (Cuisenaire rods, base ten blocks, LEGO), or use movement-based games.
• Auditory learners: Use math songs, read-aloud books like Life of Fred, or explain concepts out loud while working together. Or simply add a multiplication supplement like Times Tables.
• Reading/writing learners: Lean into written explanations, fill-in-the-blank drills, or let them write out problems step-by-step.

My Single Digit Multiplication Pack was intentionally designed with this in mind — a mix of visuals, real-life examples, cut-and-paste activities, and QR-linked videos and games so you can meet your child where they are.

Marc, for example, is a mix of visual and kinesthetic. So naturally, we avoided programs that leaned too hard in one direction. Flexibility was key.

The more ways you give a child to connect with multiplication, the more likely it is to stick.

6. No Practice = No Progress

Let’s be honest — multiplication doesn’t stick on its own. Kids need time and consistent exposure to build fluency, and without enough practice, even the most well-explained concepts will fade.

But when I say practice, I don’t mean endless worksheets or flashcard drills that suck the joy out of learning.

There are so many ways to reinforce multiplication that don’t feel like “work.” In fact, a lot of the best practice looks like play.

✅ Games are one of the best ways to sneak in repetition. Whether it’s digital (Marc loves space shooter-style math games) or board-game style printables, repetition disguised as fun is powerful.

✅ Visuals and templates that kids can reuse — like the grouping activities and multiplication tricks chart in my printable pack — help reinforce concepts without overwhelm.

✅ Offline games like my Castle Walls Multiplication Game printable (which uses arrays and can be paired with Cuisenaire rods or blocks) turn abstract math into something your child can build, touch, and see.

And if you’re looking for more variety, I’ve curated a list of free and paid multiplication printables and games below — from lapbooks to color-by-code activities. There’s something in here for every learning style.

Just remember: fluency doesn’t come from doing it once. It comes from exposure, creativity, and giving your child the chance to engage with multiplication in multiple ways over time.

If you prefer taking the math games offline, there are multiple multiplication printables online for any age! One of them is my printable Castle Walls Multiplication Game, which is in fact a simple multiplication arrays game that you can use with or without Cuisenaire rods or other math manipulatives.

For other multiplication printables, check my curated list below. You are sure to find something your kids will love.

7. Always Offer More Than One Strategy

One of the biggest shortcomings of traditional math instruction is that it often sticks to a single method for teaching a concept and expects every child to just “get it.” But that’s not how real learning works.

Kids’ brains are wired differently. What makes perfect sense to one child might completely confuse another. That’s why it’s essential to offer more than one strategy for solving a problem.

As homeschool parents and teachers, part of our job is to present multiple ways to approach a concept and let the child lean into the one that clicks. Over time, they might even combine strategies or shift based on the problem — and that’s real mathematical thinking.

Some of the best math programs embrace this idea. CTCMath, for example, offers children several strategies for understanding multiplication, such as:

• Repeated addition
• Multiplication arrays
• Finger multiplication
• Grouping
• Doubling
• Using number lines
• And more

This gives kids options, which reduces frustration and builds confidence.

If you’re moving beyond basic facts into multi-digit multiplication, stay tuned — I’m working on a printable that walks through 7 different methods, including visual strategies like the Chinese lattice method and the Japanese dot method. It’ll be a great tool for helping kids explore what works best for their brain.

Because math isn’t about memorizing one way — it’s about understanding how numbers work.

8. Lack of Motivation and Engagement When Learning Multiplication

Let’s be honest: multiplication isn’t exactly thrilling for most kids especially when they don’t fully understand what it means. Without that foundational understanding, it’s easy for kids to lose interest and start resisting anything multiplication-related.

And when they don’t see the point of it — how it fits into real life — they’re even less likely to stay focused or put in the effort to practice.

So how can we help them stay motivated?

✏️ Make It Real

Show them where multiplication actually matters. Use real-world examples like:

• Calculating prices during shopping
• Measuring ingredients when doubling or halving recipes
• Finding area when rearranging furniture or building something
• Tracking time and planning schedules

Kids are far more likely to engage when they understand why something matters and how it connects to their world.

🔄 Change the Input and Output

If a concept isn’t clicking and your child is tuning out, change how you’re teaching it or how they’re responding to it.

That could mean:

• Switching to a different curriculum just for this concept
• Letting them type their answers instead of writing
• Using stamps or stickers instead of pencil-and-paper worksheets
• Replacing drills with games or interactive activities

These small shifts can have a huge impact on motivation and attitude. Sometimes, it’s not the concept that’s hard — it’s the format that’s uninviting.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Tech

Let’s just say it plainly: technology isn’t the enemy especially when it comes to teaching multiplication.

If your child lights up around screens or games, use that. There’s no award for sticking to pencil and paper if it’s not working.

The key is to use tech that supports understanding, not just speed.

Here are a few ways to weave digital tools into your math routine:

• Interactive apps & games – These are perfect for struggling students because they’re fun, low-pressure, and give instant feedback. One of our favorites for number sense is DragonBox, and their Kahoot! Multiplication app is worth checking out.
• Virtual manipulatives – Online tools like digital base-ten blocks or fraction bars are great for visual learners and kids who need help bridging the gap between concrete and abstract. (I rounded up my favorite online manipulative resources in this post on Cuisenaire rods.)
• Adaptive learning platforms – Tools like CTCMath can adjust to your child’s level in real time, keeping them challenged but not overwhelmed. That’s a big win when you’re dealing with confidence dips or inconsistent progress.

Tech can’t replace hands-on learning but it can absolutely support it. When used intentionally, it becomes another way to meet your child where they are.

10. Struggling Despite Everything? It Might Be Something Deeper

If you’ve tried all the hands-on activities, different strategies, games, and tech — and your child is still not getting multiplication — it’s time to zoom out and consider whether something else might be going on.

Dyscalculia, often called “math dyslexia,” is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes numbers and mathematical concepts. And yes, it can make multiplication feel nearly impossible for a child, even if they’re trying their hardest.

This isn’t about laziness or low ability. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition and once you understand that, you can adjust your approach with more clarity and compassion.

Kids with dyscalculia may struggle with:

• Basic arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing)
• Number sense and recognizing patterns
• Understanding math symbols and language
• Spatial reasoning and organizing visual information

The usual drill-and-test method won’t work here. In fact, relying on memorization alone can do more harm than good because these kids often have limited working memory for facts.

But can they still learn math? Absolutely.

They just need the right tools:

• Clear, structured instruction
• Multi-sensory methods
• Pacing that’s truly individualized
• Immediate feedback and consistent support

Just remember: struggling doesn’t mean incapable. It just means you haven’t found the right key yet.

Final thoughts

Math is rarely simple and when you’re teaching multiplication to a child who’s struggling, it can feel downright overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Sometimes the solution is as big as switching curricula. Other times, it’s about slowing down, bringing out the manipulatives, or adjusting the language you use. And yes, sometimes it means considering learning differences that may be holding your child back from fully understanding.

The good news? You have options.
You can focus on understanding over memorization, offer multiple strategies, swap drills for games and visuals, and lean into what works for your child.

You know your child best.

I’d love to hear from you — what strategies have worked for you when teaching multiplication to a struggling learner?
Drop a comment below and let’s swap ideas!

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