Feb 29 2008
There are now 3 videos at http://youtube/user/MisterNumbers. Four more in the editing stage. I am going to put up the empty sheet table with full explanation soon. Hope you are enjoying this as much as I am. Kids show how fun and effective EZ Times Table is better than I can describe it! Tom
Feb 11 2008
20 Reasons why EZ Times Table (EZTT)
should be included in Elementary School Math
1. EZ Times Table (EZTT) creates a structure for understanding numbers.
2. EZTT is experiential. It is not given to kids to look at; students actively create it with fun patterns on blank columns or graph paper.
3. EZTT reveals the whole times table as kids create it.
4. EZTT is appealing and effective because it is based on multiple learning strategies.
5. EZTT focuses on the Ones and Twos, which students trust.
6. EZTT is fundamental and can be seen as repeated addition or multiplication alternately.
7. EZTT can be used to teach addition and subtraction in Kindergarten and first grade and then flow effortlessly into multiplication and then to tables and graphs.
8. EZTT has the student create their own number line up to 32 even if they can’t count that high accurately.
9. Students gain confidence, as they are able to create a 10 x 10 or 20 X 20 times table just from patterns.
10. EZTT is a one page graphic organizer on multiplication that makes sense to kids.
11. EZTT is complementary to other math teaching methods such as arrays, object grouping, grids on graph paper, flash cards, Circles and Stars (Marilyn Burns), number lines, and more.
12. Students have fun combining learning with playing with patterns. They are motivated. “Can we do it again tomorrow?“ Oscar (and see video).
13. Factors and squares are immediately recognizable in EZTT.
14. EZTT has another form created by the student that facilitates memorizing multiplication facts.
15. EZTT teaches pattern recognition which is important in all area of learning.
16. EZTT teaches students how to read a table because they create it.
17. EZTT patterns lead to understanding graphing slopes.
18. EZTT empowers a student to re- create the times table on graph or blank paper. This can be done for standardized tests or anywhere students want all or part of the multiplication facts.
19. Students “own” the multiplication table when they have created it.
20. EZTT creates a positive attitude toward math. SEE VIDEO of a second grader who had never done multiplication go from skeptical to ownership in one hour: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AamQnC6DjZY
