Have you ever considered skip counting as a math help?
As soon as our kiddos start learning about multiplication, we teach them to skip count. They learn to do this by singing along with songs. Our boys learned songs for the 2’s on up through the 12’s. For example, for the 2’s they learned to count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18.
Why is this a helpful math tool?
Skip counting makes doing multiplication much easier. It is also very helpful once kiddos get to least common multiple and greatest common factor. A myriad of other math-related tasks such as dividing are also easier if kids know how to do this!
This doesn’t replace the need to memorize math facts.
It’s important to note that this should not replace the need for a child to eventually know his facts. However, it is a great intermediary step. It is much more fun than straight fact memorization when just learning about multiplication and division.
What can you use for skip counting help?
We’ve enjoyed the Skip Count Kids Bible Heroes CD, but you could use any similar method you like. This is the only thing we’ve ever added to Singapore math, and we’ve found it pays big dividends for years to come! A side benefit is that even our little ones know the songs from an early age.
Blessings,
Carrie
This Post Has 6 Comments
Thank you!!! I needed this. ♥️ It’s been on my mind but too far off my radar to deal with. Truly a blessing.
We are so glad you found this post helpful, Lacy! Skip counting is an inexpensive, fun, effective way to memorize math facts. Hope your kiddos enjoy it as much as ours did!
What level of Singapore math do they begin to learn multiplication? What age/guide do you encourage skip counting?
Singapore Math begins multiplication instruction in Primary Mathematics 1B. Singapore is considered a year advanced. HOD teaches skip counting of 2’s and 3’s in Little Hands to Heaven with the Count on Me pages. You can begin skip counting at any time, but I usually reserved any practice with flashcards alongside the skip counting for when my sons were more mature, around 3A. We also practiced the upper facts (6’s, 7’s, 8’s, 9’s) with Bible Heroes music and with flashcards in the summers if they needed to do so (my oldest never did skip counting/flashcards; my middle only did skip counting and not flashcards; my youngest did skip counting/flashcards earlier on and over several summers). You can read more about that here: https://www.heartofdakota.com/2021/06/18/breaks-are-a-great-time-to-work-on-math-facts/
I’m a little confused, does Singapore not teach skip counting?
Singapore Math does teach skip counting; however, it is one of many skills taught. This post is about teaching skip counting repetitively as a means for fact memorization. I have done it with two of my children and found great success with it, especially for my son who struggled with math more.