Fun Multiplication Games for Kids

My daughter is a thinker, not a memorizer. Long term, this will serve her well in math. Short term, she needs to be faster in recalling her basic math facts. For example, if she is dividing 273 by 3, she needs to quickly recognize that 27 is divisible by 3. Our goal for the summer is to help her improve her math computation. Since she is a rising fourth grader, we are going to home in on multiplication. I think the key to making this successful is to make sure it is fun, not boring. Gone are the days of worksheets, charts and tables. Kids today are used to being entertained. Lucky for us parents, there are many interactive tools to educate while entertaining. This hub presents top choices for interactive math games for online, personal gaming devices, and touch screen apps.

Free Rice
This is a quick and easy multiplication retention tool. It is also an outstanding humanitarian tool. For every correct answer, 10 grains of rice are donated through the World Health Programme to end hunger. Under the subject of math, select Multiplication Table. Level one is the default. Correct answers will continue to increase the level of difficulty. My daughter loves knowing that she is helping feed hungry children. It also spurs interesting discussions on children living in poverty and what we can do to help. 100 grains of rice equals one bowl. You can donate up to ten bowls a day.

Minkos Milkshake Shoppe
This is a fun multiplication game that lets kids set exact multiplier they need to work on. For example, if your child needs help with multiplying by sevens, you can set the game to that level.

Math Magician
This website is fun and results driven. If you child needs help with the speed of multiplication facts, this is an excellent choice. You set the game to focus on a specific multiplier or on mixed factors. You must correctly answer 20 questions in a minute. If you are successful, you can print out a certificate that lists your accomplishments.

Granny Prix
Here is another multiplication facts game of speed. First, the player gets to customize their own granny! They can choose their favorite hair, skin, clothes, design and wheels for the wheelchair before heading off to the races. This is a hoot! There are four grannies racing. Your granny advances faster every time you get a multiplication fact correct. At the end of the race you will see how well you did and which problems you need to work on.

My daughter loves her ipod Touch. I love it because it is portable, educational and just plain fun. With so many free online games and inexpensive apps, it is hard to justify purchasing computer software games for $30 and $40. Here are her favorite math apps:

Rocket Math
For 99 cents, this is awesome. Set the game to multiplication. For every correct answer, you receive money to build your rocket. When your rocket is complete, you are all set to launch.

Operation Math
At $2.99 this app, and winner of the 2012 Parents' Choice Award winner by the Parents' Choice Foundation, is a huge hit. You can set this game to multiplication to test your skill and time. Each operation is timed. If you fail the operation you may repeat it. If the operation is successful, you get bumped up a level and may even unlock a new clothing item or gadget.

If your child has a Nintendo DS, there are several good options priced under $20.

Kids Learn Math
This game offers 15 different math games in one with a carnival theme setting. You can set it to the multiplication option and further hone in on those skills. Parents can play too as there is a multiplayer option.

Personal Trainer: Math
This Nintendo DS game is expensive ($35.00 new, $15.00 used) but it is great for math computation and speed. It features multiplication games, flash cards and even word problems. In addition, because you have to write the answer with your stylus, it helps your handwriting too!

Worksheets equal boring. Games equal fun. If you are trying to reinforce math skills this summer for greater math computation, keep in mind you will face greater resistance if it is a fun experience. There are so many education tools at your disposal--take advantage of them today. Say goodbye to boring worksheets!