Set up

This program is very well set up, with lots of good exercises and fun games. There is an answer key on the back of each page so the child can check his or her work. Hooked on Math understands individuals are different.

Accommodating different learning styles

Page 4 of the “Parents Guide” informs us “Children have very different learning styles. Therefore, we've included multi sensory tools to accommodate visual, auditory, and tactile learners.” This is great because the child is not limited to just one learning style, which may or may not suit them. Having more than one sense stimulated while learning is advantageous. It helps the whole brain develop and its various parts work together.

Advancing a level

Upon getting all the answers right in a level, the child gets to play a game and put a star on chart. Number Bingo is a lot of fun. You play against your child and spin a spinner. If it lands on 5, the player must multiply it by one of the numbers featured in that bingo (for example 2 or 3 times tables). Having completely memorized the times tables, the child comes to a section called “Let's Start Multiplying Larger Numbers!”

Parental tips

The Hooked on Math guide for parents/educators thoughtfully provides some tips on how to help your child learn math concepts,

On page 78, the parent is cautioned “if multiplying larger numbers seems difficult, make sure your child understand place value- the meaning of the ones, tens, and hundreds columns. Also, make sure your child understands regrouping, if not, review addition and subtraction with him.”

Explanations followed by exercises go on to cover the following areas: multiplying two digit numbers (with regrouping), multiplying two digit numbers (without regrouping). Having two methods to accomplish the same goal allows a child to:

1. Reduce frustration if he/she doesn't understand the method
2. Learn to examine a problem form more than one angle (increasing logic and possibly creativity skills)
3. Confirm his/her answer by working the problem two ways and seeing if they get the same answer (but this last one only works if the child is doing the function correctly)

Multiplying two digit number with three digit numbers: First you will find an explanation, followed by a mental math skills exercise, more explanation, a practice sheet, and a check sheet. Naturally, you them go on to multiply 3 digit numbers. The child is given problems like “How many miles would you travel in 3 days if you drove 268 miles per day?” and asked to visualize 268+268+268=? It is good to see a practical use for multiplication. One can show there are 20 tens is 200, 3 tens in 60, and then 8 ones to break the columns down and let your child see them on paper. Then multiply each column to arrive at the product. Then add the three 268s to show that you get the same answer. Encourage your child to make up a story. Example. I have 268 pennies, Mary has 268, Marcy has 268. How many pennies do we have together? 268 x 3 persons=? Breaking down the problem greatly reduces the fear factor!

Real life strategies for reviewing the times tables

The book recommends different ways to review each times table. For example, there are 7 days in a week – how many days in 5 weeks? What comes in 3s, or 12s (eggs, months of the year) Fives are easy because we have five fingers. Although your goal is to memorize the times tables, count by 5s until it becomes automatic.

A winning combination adds up to success in math

A combination of practice, visualization, and memory tricks helps your child gain a solid foundation for future math conquests. Flash cards and a CD with math songs help reinforce the workbook activities. With Hooked on Math Multiplication, your child just might go from hating math to loving it!