How Important is Multiplication Fluency?

Oh, that is such a loaded question. Isn't it? 


That was the sole drive behind creating these two lapbooks:

I wanted my student to work towards understanding how numbers work.





Enter this great little product from my dear friend, Kristen.




Here are a few snapshots of our work in action:








  1. I love this!! I am like you- they need to know their facts! I really saw it this year more than last for some reason (it's my 2nd year in 4th) - how much they use the facts OUTSIDE of just multiplying. For example, when they get to fractions- they have to know the factors to make equivalents/simplify... I love these ideas!! :)
    ideas by jivey

  2. Aaaaaa!!!! I am so excited to see your students using this!! Thank you so much for sharing, it means everything to me that you were able to use this with your kids. Thank you Elizabeth :) :) :)

    1. They LOVED it! I can't wait to see the results on their tests :)

  3. I definitely agree that students need to understand the number sense behind multiplication, but that they also need to become fluent. So many other math skills depend on multiplication mastery. I love how your students are analyzing their own weaknesses and taking ownership.

    Eclectic Educating

  4. I saw the question in your title and I automatically thought, hahaha, so important!! It's such a huge foundation for everything we do in 4th!! They use it for everything and if they don't have that fluency, then they are already behind, struggling, and frustrated!!

    How cute is Kristen's Valentine Activity?!? It's so heeeeer!! I'll have to check that out!

    (I love the sunglasses and mustaches on the kids' pictures!! So cute!!)
    Collaboration Cuties

  5. I teach 3rd grade, and I try to have my students memorize their facts by the end of the year. We do a lot of work with what multiplication means, but every day we review our multiplication songs and rhymes. I at least want them to be able to figure out a fact if they don't have it memorized yet. It is a challenge, because over half the class is still working on addition fact fluency! I will have to check out that inFACTuation activity - thanks for sharing :)

    Ladybugs Lounge

  6. Hey Elizabeth,

    I'm right there with you. I strive for a good balance in my class. We spend a lot of time developing multiplication concepts, but we also make sure we get those facts memorized!

    Teach on a Limb

  7. Number sense and fluency of math facts are SO important. I teach 2nd grade and we start memorizing our addition and subtraction facts from the first month of school. If the kids understand the relationship of numbers with addition and subtraction, it makes it that much easier when they get to multiplication. We play games with our facts a few times a week and each week we have our individually leveled timed tests with a Star Wars theme. They won't let me forget to give them those tests. They love them. Thanks for sharing your great strategies.

    Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

  8. LOVE this! Thanks for sharing.I am your newest follower!
    The Techie Teacher

  9. Elizabeth - email me at -- I have a question for you :)


    mathematically yours,