Improving Multiplication Skills

I am a parent of a 9-year-old boy who is having a few problems memorizing his multiplication facts. Will software games help him? He passed third grade and made level 4 in reading and level 3 in math on the state tests. I'd like to make his math skills stronger for fourth grade. -- Multiplication Help
Answer: You are right about your son needing to master the multiplication facts this summer. More and more, multiplication is being described as the gatepost to advancing in math. Failure to master the tables now will probably lead to a continual struggle in math for your child.
We do recommend using flashcards in helping your son learn the multiplication facts. Begin with the 2's. Once an answer is given repeatedly in three seconds, consider the fact learned. Rote memory is not sufficient in learning the facts. Children need to have strategies when they can't immediately recall a fact. After repeated use of the following strategies, automatic recall of the facts will occur.
While few children will have trouble with the 2's, they need to understand that multiplication by 2 is equivalent to repeated addition of the number it is multiplying. Thus, 2 x 3 is equivalent to 3 + 3. Children who have mastered the 2's, 3's and 4's should be taught that 8 x 3 is the same as 3 x 8 -- making multiplication by larger numbers much easier. Plus, children need to figure out that multiplying numbers by 5 produces answers that end in 0 or 5.
There are several 9's strategies. One is to use 9 as the second factor, so 9 x 5 is written 5 x 9. Then, subtract 1 from the 5 and write it in the first position of the answer (4). Next, subtract the 4 from 9 to get the second digit (5). The answer in 9's multiplication always adds up to 9.
There is one strategy that works for all multiplication problems. For 3 x 4, you would draw three parallel horizontal lines. Then you would cross them with four parallel vertical lines. Next, you would count all the intersections to get the answer (12).
Use online multiplication drills and games to reinforce and review the basic facts. Any online search will lead you to an abundance of them. Let your son choose the ones he enjoys.