I developed this game over time as I tried to meet the needs of older students who had difficulty learning tables despite worksheets, drills and computer games. These students needed a different approach and this product has evolved as another strategy you can try. When it works, it is magic. I have had students learn the sequence of multiples and begin applying the sequence to the times tables under an hour using this method.

Start by making sure the student understands the concept of 'lots of'. I do this with cheap poker chips and have them tape eight together and record the sequence. You can skip this step if your learner understands this. The learner also needs to understand the terminology of 'multiple' and if this is the obstacle, they need to hear the term over and over, preferably while they have hands-on experience with 'lots of'. I have twelve lots of eight in a row in front of the students with the multiple written under.

When you first introduce the board track the multiple sequence with a wipe-off crayon. I use Crayola wipe-off crayons on a laminated board and they wipe off easily, leaving no trace of the sequence. Once the student has the idea, have them track the sequence and time them. Record the time. The legend has times I have devised over many years with a range of students. They have no scientific value at all, but I find students love trying to beat their time and the repetition means they will, eventually, be able to write and say the sequence without the benefit of the board.

Once a students knows the sequence apply it to their fingers. Five times eight is five fingers up and reciting the sequence until the answer is identified. At this stage they will probably still be slow, but they will have mastered the 8x table to 10x8. To build automaticity play motivating games that they will want to play over and over. Send them home for family fun time as have found enormous progress if this is done daily for a week or two. Computer games and times tables fluency sheets will work as well, but vary the ways you consolidate for maximum effectiveness. The variety means you cater for all students and hands-on games benefits social interaction and guarantees fun.