Mastering Multiplication: Tips from Mulholland Prep Tutors
Multiplication lays the groundwork for many mathematical concepts, making it a crucial skill for students to master. However, quick recall of multiplication and division facts proves to be one of the most common challenges we see our students facing, even when they’ve progressed into higher level math material. Whether your student is just starting their multiplication journey, or they need to shore up their fundamentals, we can help.
To make this process easier—and even fun—we asked some of our tutors at Mulholland Prep to share their favorite strategies for helping students tackle multiplication with confidence. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Make It Memorable
With over two decades of tutoring experience, Mulholland Prep founder and director Dov Engelberg has helped countless students master multiplication by embracing their unique interests. The key lies in creating unforgettable associations:
“Like most things we want to remember, the best way to increase retention is to create a memorable, out-of-the-ordinary scenario,” Dov explains. “Just as with memorizing words, where a unique mnemonic is often the best strategy, I like to encourage thinking of something outside the box.
“These can be personally relevant (Kobe needed to score 9 points 9 times to hit the 81 he scored on January 22nd, 2006), or something totally wacky (it takes 4 sets of four folds, so 16 folds in all to make an origami crane). By definition, the more memorable it is, the easier it is to remember.”
Dov’s approach transforms multiplication from rote memorization into an opportunity for creativity. Encourage your student to invent their own personal stories or associations for tricky multiplication facts. Whether it’s sports statistics, favorite hobbies, or imaginative scenarios, linking multiplication to what they care about makes the process not only more effective, but also more enjoyable.
“So, the rule is: was it weird? Did it catch your attention when you heard/said/thought of it? If so – that’s probably a good thing to link your times tables.”
2. Bring Math to Life
Christian emphasizes the importance of helping students visualize multiplication in everyday contexts. “If a younger student is struggling with multiplication, I like to give a ‘real world’ example to the problems, so it’s not just numbers: it’s something they can picture.
“For instance, if the problem is 8 x 3, I might say, ‘There are eight tables in the cafeteria, and each table has three people sitting at it. How many people are in the cafeteria?’ Kids can even sketch out the problem. This makes the math real—not just a wave of digits.”
Making multiplication relatable helps students connect abstract concepts to tangible experiences, which boosts both understanding and retention.
“The problem stays the same, but now the kids are actually thinking about it. They can even sketch out the problem, if needs be. This makes the math ‘real’ and not just a wave of digits.”
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Mara reminds us that there’s no substitute for consistent practice when it comes to mastering multiplication. “There are some mnemonics and tricks to mastering multiplication facts, but the only foolproof method is practice. Practice with flashcards, charts, skip counting, math problems, and multiplication games — any of these can be useful, but the key is putting in the time and work to learn your times tables backwards and forwards!”
It’s true—while shortcuts may seem appealing, building strong multiplication skills requires regular and dedicated effort. Set aside practice time each day, and explore tools like apps or interactive games to make repetition more enjoyable and less tedious.
Mara also highlights an often-overlooked but vital point: incorporating division into practice. By mastering both multiplication and division, students build a solid foundation for recognizing divisibility, working with factors, and tackling more advanced math concepts with ease.
“The key is putting in the time and work to learn your times tables backwards and forwards!”
4. Build On What You Know
Sarah suggests a helpful trick that combines understanding with repetition: “My go-to method is to use what you know—break the problem down into parts you already understand. For example, with 7 x 12, if you know 7 x 10, then 7 x 12 is just two more 7s added.”
This strategy encourages students to leverage their existing knowledge to solve more complex problems. “Try to visualize what’s happening and put it in a sentence,” Sarah says. “The beauty and challenge of math is that you can arrive at the same answer via many different paths.”
By encouraging students to approach multiplication from multiple angles, Sarah’s method helps them build a more flexible understanding, allowing them to find different routes to the same solution and reinforcing the underlying concepts.
“Along with repetition to drill down, trying a different perspective can help.”
– Sarah B.
5. Set Goals and Stay Positive
While the task of memorization itself can be challenging, for some students, mindset and motivation play an even bigger role. Kathleen explains: “I like to remind my students they are capable of anything they put their minds to. Set your goal and stick to it. Wouldn’t it be cool to have zero hesitation during your times tables, and have it be totally easy and automatic? Then that’s the destination! You’re not going to teleport there, so be kind to yourself during the journey.”
Encouraging students to visualize their success can make a world of difference. Celebrate progress—no matter how small—and remind them that every step forward brings them closer to their goal. A positive mindset helps transform frustration into perseverance, making the journey toward mastery much smoother and more rewarding.
“I like to remind my students they are capable of anything they put their minds to.”
Mastering multiplication is about more than memorizing numbers—it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and developing problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. With these strategies from our expert tutors at Mulholland Prep, your student can approach multiplication with curiosity and determination, turning a daunting task into an achievable goal.
Whether it’s creating memorable associations, practicing consistently, or staying motivated with a positive mindset, there’s a method here for every learner. Remember, progress doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and the right tools, your student will gain the skills and confidence to tackle any math challenge that comes their way.
At Mulholland Prep, we’re here to support students on their journey to success—not just in multiplication, but in every step of their academic growth.
About Our Tutors
At Mulholland Prep, our skilled tutors are passionate about helping students excel in every subject. Whether it’s mastering math concepts, improving reading comprehension, or boosting study skills, our team provides personalized support designed to meet each student’s unique needs. With a focus on building confidence and long-lasting academic success, our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to take your learning to the next level? Enroll today!
You may also like
ISEE Test Day: How to Prepare the Week Before
