Fun Ways to Teach the Maths Table of 15
Swarnali Saha
Introduction
As a math teacher, I understand that multiplication tables can be a challenging task for both parents and children. However, with the right approach, it doesn't have to be a daunting experience.
Before I explain further, let me make one thing clear. The terms Maths Table, Times Table and Multiplication Table mean the same, hence I will refer to these terms interchangeably.
In this blog, I will guide you through various fun and engaging methods to teach the Math Tables. Let’s take the Math Table of 15 as an example.
We will explore a range of strategies, from interactive games to real-world applications, designed to help your child grasp Times Table or Multiplication Tables effectively.
Moreover, I will share a method that I teach to my students at Welcome2Maths. Though I will show the application of the method specifically for the Times Table of 15, this method is applicable for Math tables of any 2 digit number. This method has helped thousands of my students to write any multiplication table fast and accurately. The only thing that you will need for this method is to know the Math Tables from 1 to 9. I have also discussed this method in full detail in the video lectures of my Multiplication Table Course.
The methods that I have discussed here, if done rightly, are not only educational but also enjoyable, ensuring that your child remains interested and motivated.
So, let’s first understand the importance of Maths Table and then we will move to discussing the methods.
Understanding the importance of Table of 15
As a math teacher, I often find that understanding the basics of a multiplication table can make a significant difference in a child's ability to learn and retain information. The Maths Table of 15 is no exception. It is essential to start with a clear explanation of what the Maths Table of 15 is and why it is important for your child's mathematical development.
What is the Maths Table of 15?
The Math Table of 15 is simply the list of multiples of 15, starting from 15 x 1 and continuing onward (15 x 2, 15 x 3, etc.). This table is part of the broader set of math tables 1-20, which are foundational for developing arithmetic skills.
Why is it important?
As I said, we are taking Math Table of 15 as an example for the broad group of math Tables. Now, the question arises why are these important? Understanding and memorizing the Math Table of 15 and other similar times tables is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps children perform faster mental calculations, which is a valuable skill in both academic settings and real-life situations. Secondly, knowing tables well can boost your child's confidence, making them more comfortable multiplication tables and math multiplication in general. Finally, a solid grasp of the Maths Table supports learning in other areas of math, such as arithmetic, division, fractions, and algebra.
In the next sections, we'll explore specific techniques and activities that will make learning the Maths Table of 15 both fun and effective.
Techniques for Learning the Maths Table of 15 & other similar tables
Now that we understand the importance of the Maths Table of 15 and other similar tables, let's dive into some effective techniques to help your child learn it. In this section, I am going to share with you some traditional methods of learning tables. In the next section, I will discuss my special method of learning and memorizing multiplication tables, which will take your child’s learning to another level altogether. So, let’s start with the more traditional methods.
1. Repetition and Memorization
Repetition is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to learn any multiplication table and the same is true for Maths Table of 15 too. Encourage your child to recite the table aloud daily. This constant repetition helps reinforce memory and builds confidence. To make it less monotonous, you can turn it into a fun routine, such as singing the table to a familiar tune or chanting it rhythmically.
2. Patterns and Relationships
Help your child notice patterns within the Maths Table of 15. For example, explain that multiplying 15 by any number always results in an even product. Highlighting these patterns makes the table easier to understand and remember. You can also show how the table relates to other math multiplication tables. For example, 15 being a multiple of 5, each item in the times table of 15 can be represented in the form of the times table of 5. You can point out similarities such as 15 x 2 is the same as 5 x 6, 15 x 3 is the same as 5 x 9 and so on. A limitation of this method is that this will not be very useful for tables of prime numbers.
3. Visualization Techniques
Use visual aids like charts, flashcards, and posters to help your child visualize the Maths Table of 15. Create a colorful chart together and hang it in a place where your child can see it regularly. Visual learners benefit greatly from seeing the numbers laid out in an organized manner. Flashcards are also a great tool; they make it easy to practice and review the table anytime, anywhere. You can also write or print the multiplication table for 15 and paste it in front of your child’s study table. You can download the Maths Table of 15 from here.
4. Interactive Methods
Incorporate interactive methods such as online games and apps designed for learning multiplication tables. Many educational websites and apps offer fun and engaging ways to practice the Maths Table of 15 through games and quizzes. These interactive tools provide instant feedback and keep your child motivated to continue learning.
By combining these techniques, you can create a comprehensive learning experience for your child. Now let’s move on to some innovative techniques of learning multiplication tables.
An innovative way of Learning Maths Table- The Welcome2Maths Technique
To understand this method you need to know the Math Tables of single digit numbers i.e. tables of 1 to 9. If you remember those, then all 2-digit multiplication tables become a cakewalk. Let’s understand with the example of the Times table of 15.
So, in 15, what are the 2 digits? 1 and 5- right?
Now, remembering math tables of 1 and 5 is easy. They are our basic tables. Let’s write the 2 tables side by side- first table of 1 on the left side and then table of 5 on the right side (refer below)
Using these 2 basic tables i.e. table of 1 and table of 5, we will create table of 15. The trick is simple. The unit digit of results of table of 5 will be the unit digit of the times table of 15. The tens place digit of the table of 5 will be carried over and added to the results of table of 1 to give us the rest of the digits in the multiplication table of 15.
1 X 1 = 1; 5 X 1 = 5 ⇒ 15 X 1 = 15
1 X 2 = 2; 5 X 2 = 10 ⇒ 15 X 2 = (2+1)0 = 30
1 X 3 = 3; 5 X 3 = 15 ⇒ 15 X 3 = (3+1)5 = 45
1 X 4 = 4; 5 X 4 = 20 ⇒ 15 X 4 = (4+2)0 = 60
1 X 5 = 5; 5 X 5 = 25 ⇒ 15 X 5 = (5+2)5 = 75
1 X 6 = 6; 5 X 6 = 30 ⇒ 15 X 1 = (6+3)0 = 90
1 X 7 = 7; 5 X 7 = 35 ⇒ 15 X 7 = (7+3)5 = 105
1 X 8 = 8; 5 X 8 = 40 ⇒ 15 X 8 = (8+4)0 = 120
1 X 9 = 9; 5 X 9 = 45 ⇒ 15 X 9 = (9+4)5 = 135
1 X 10 = 10; 5 X 10 = 50 ⇒ 15 X 10 = (10+5)0 = 150
Isn’t it so simple? And this technique can be used for any 2 digit number. Not only that with a little more application of mind, we can modify this technique for 3 digit numbers, 4 digit numbers and beyond. Moreover, this method is also very useful for multiplying 2-digit, 3-digit and even 4-digit numbers with 1-digit numbers in seconds.
If you want to learn these techniques directly from me through video lectures and hone your multiplication table skills through extra practice, you can check out my course Multiplication Table Course. Within a span of 3 days, you will master times tables from 1 to 10000.
In the next section, we will explore fun and engaging activities to further reinforce their understanding of the Maths Table of 15. These activities will make learning feel like play, ensuring that your child remains enthusiastic and committed to mastering their multiplication skills.
How to make learning Math Tables enjoyable?
To make learning Maths Table even more enjoyable, let me now share with you some fun and engaging activities. You can incorporate these activities as and when required. These activities not only reinforce the concepts but also keep your child motivated and excited about learning. I myself have used these activities time and again to teach my students multiplication tables and the results have been amazing. These ideas are not only relevant for Math Tables but will be also useful for teaching Math in general.
1. Games and Quizzes
Games and quizzes are fantastic ways to reinforce learning. For example, for the Maths Table of 15, you can create simple quizzes where you ask your child random multiplication questions related to the table of 15. To make it more interactive, turn it into a game where they earn points for every correct answer. There are also numerous online games specifically designed to practice multiplication tables.
2. Group Activities
Group activities can be particularly effective if your child has siblings or friends who are also learning multiplication tables. Organize a "multiplication bee" where children take turns answering questions related to the Maths Table of 15 or for that matter any other table.
I used to do this for my own son too. I used to make my son and a couple of his friends sit together and conduct a Multiplication Bee where I awarded toffees for fastest and most accurate answers. The result was amazing for all the kids.
These kinds of activities not only promote a healthy competitive spirit but also help reinforce their knowledge through repetition and peer learning. Collaborative games like multiplication bingo can also be a hit, where each child has a bingo card with the answers, and you call out the multiplication questions.
3. Real-World Applications
Showing your child how the Maths Table of 15 applies in real-world scenarios can make learning more relevant and interesting. For example, if you're cooking and the recipe calls for 15 grams of an ingredient, ask your child how much would be needed for 2, 3, or 4 servings. This practical application helps them see the value of multiplication in everyday life. You can also incorporate the table into shopping trips by asking them to calculate the total cost if you buy multiple items priced at 15 units each.
4. Creative Arts and Crafts
You can also integrate arts and crafts into learning. It can be both fun and educational. Create a chart of the multiplication table of 15 together, using different colors and designs to highlight the numbers. You can also make flashcards with your child, where they can decorate each card with drawings or stickers related to the number. These creative activities help reinforce their learning visually and make the process more enjoyable.
By incorporating these fun and engaging activities, you can help your child master the Maths Table of 15 in an enjoyable and effective way. These methods not only reinforce their learning but also keep them motivated and excited about math. In the next section, I will give you some bonus advice that will have multi level utility.
Section 5: Bonus Advice on Math Tables and Math Learning
For parents and teachers looking to improve their child's understanding of Maths in general and Multiplication Tables in specific, incorporating these advanced techniques can be highly beneficial. These methods not only will reinforce existing knowledge but will also expand your child's mathematical skills in innovative and engaging ways.
1. Cross-Referencing with Other Tables: Using Knowledge of Other Tables to Reinforce Learning
This we have touched upon earlier too. You need to encourage your child to cross-reference the Maths Table of 15 with other multiplication tables they have already learned. For example, demonstrate how 15 x 5 is related to 25 x 3.
This approach helps them see the interconnectedness of different tables and enhances their overall understanding of multiplication. By drawing connections between the Maths Table of 15 and other math tables from 1-25, children can better grasp the relationships between numbers, making it easier to memorize and recall multiplication facts.
2. Math Tricks and Shortcuts: Quick Methods to Calculate Multiples of 15
You saw how our Welcome2Maths concept can change the way children look at Multiplication Tables. Teaching math tricks and shortcuts can make calculating fun and generate interest in Math.
Then another effective trick is to break down the multiplication process into simpler steps. For instance, to find 15 x 6, you can first calculate 10 x 6 (which is 60) and 5 x 6 (which is 30), then add the two results together to get 90.
Another shortcut is for tables of even numbers. Let’s say if you want to find the multiplication table of 14. It will be nothing but the double of the product of 7, as 14 is twice 7 (e.g., 7 x 6 = 42, so 14 x 6 = 42 x 2 = 84).
These techniques make it easier for children to perform quick mental calculations, boosting their confidence and speed in math. I have discussed many such shortcuts and tricks in my flagship mental math course: Master Calculations Course. Students who have sincerely completed this course have increased their speed by 4-5 times with 100% accuracy.
3. Integration with Other Subjects such as Science, Economics, etc.
Applying the Maths Table of 15 in other subjects can enhance its relevance and utility. In science, for example, you can use the table to calculate measurements and conversions, such as determining the total mass of 15 identical objects.
In economics, you can discuss scenarios involving pricing and budgeting, like figuring out the cost of 15 items priced the same. Integrating math with other subjects not only reinforces the importance of multiplication tables but also shows children how math is used in various real-world contexts.
4. Encouraging Higher-Order Thinking: Problem-Solving and Critical Analysis
This advice is generic to the art of learning. Deepen your child's understanding of Maths, encourage higher-order thinking skills such as problem-solving and critical analysis. You can do this by giving them word problems that require using the Maths Table of 15 to find solutions.
For instance, ask how many groups of 15 can be made from a certain number of items or how much total distance would be covered if a car travels 15 kilometres each day for a week. These exercises help children apply their multiplication skills to complex situations, fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
I will also share a pro tip with you regarding question framing. If you are framing questions for your children, try and use their and their friends’ names in word problems. That would automatically get them interested.
By incorporating these techniques, you as a parent and teacher can provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience for children.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored various strategies and activities designed to make learning multiplication tables both effective and fun. In the course of how to learn Maths table of 15, I have shared with you some very important things that can help you in your child’s overall Math learning process.
Remember, continuous practice and encouragement are key to mastering the Math Tables. As a parent or teacher, your support and enthusiasm can make a significant difference in your child's learning journey. Celebrate their progress, be patient with challenges, and make learning a positive experience. Remember, the goal is not just to memorize numbers, but to instill a love for math and build a strong mathematical foundation that will benefit your child throughout their education.
I encourage you to use the strategies and resources provided in this article to help your child master the Multiplication Tables. Let's work together to make learning multiplication tables a fun and rewarding experience for all children. Happy learning!