The 4 times tables are not as hard as multiplying by 6, 7, or 8. But, they are also not as easy as multiplying by 2, 5, or 10. Simple strategies are the best things to help students master their multiplication facts. With the “double, double” multiplication strategy and visual aids, your students will be able to multiply by 4 in no time!
4 Times Tables “Double, Double” Strategy
The “double, double” strategy is an easy tool for students who are struggling with their 4 times tables. Explain that when multiplying by 4, look at the other factor and think “double, double.”
Step 1: Double the factor being multiplied by 4.
Step 2: Double the sum.
Help students see that the “double, double” multiplication strategy is similar to repeated addition. Write 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 on the board and ask students how it is similar to what they did with the “double, double” strategy.
Use One-to-One Correspondence to Multiply by 4
Hand tricks are often a fun visual tool to use with multiplication facts. Unfortunately, there are no hand tricks for the 4 times tables. But, there are still easy visual aids students can create themselves.
The one-to-one correspondence strategy is best for visual learners. If you are unfamiliar, one-to-one correspondence is a counting strategy that is often taught during the primary grades as students move from counting objects to rote counting. When counting with one-to-one correspondence, students have a set of objects and count each object in the set once. Usually, they will touch or mark each object as it is counted.
This concept can be applied in the upper elementary grades when learning multiples and multiplication facts.
Step 1: Draw a row of dots at the top of the page that represents one of the factors in the multiplication problem. For example, if the student is multiplying 4 x 7, they will draw 4 dots at the top of their paper in a horizontal line.
Step 2: Count the dots by touching their pencil to each dot and saying the number aloud or in their head. After they count each dot in the row, they will write the total.
Step 3: Then, go back to the beginning of the row of dots and resume counting where they left off, writing the total each time they get to the end of the row.
In the problem 4 x 7, students will write 4 after counting the row of dots once. Then, they will start with 5 when they begin counting the row of dots again. Each time that they get to the end of the row, they will write the last number said. In doing this, they will be writing the multiples of 4 as they count. They will continue counting the row the number of times as the other factor. In this case, they will count the row of 4 dots 7 times to find the product of 4 x 7.
Resources to Teach Multiplication Facts
Using the “double, double” strategy and one-to-one correspondence are just two of the strategies I show in my Multiplication Tables Unit Plans. The unit plans have EVERYTHING you need to teach multiplication facts including—
- detailed lesson plans
- worksheets
- timed multiplication quizzes
- a variety of strategies and visual aids
- games and centers
- digital activities
- assessments
- word wall cards
There are unit plans available in my store for up to 10×10 multiplication facts and up to 12×12 multiplication facts.
In addition to the detailed unit plans, you can also find the following resources to teach multiplication facts in my store:
- Task Cards (up to 12×12 and up to 10×10)
- Jeopardy Game
When students have simple strategies and visual aids, learning the 4 times tables can be easy. The “double, double” strategy is the best strategy I have found for teaching the 4 times tables. I hope it helps your students too!
Looking for more tips and strategies for teaching multiplication facts? Check out these other posts in my times tables blog posts series.
- 6, 7, and 8 Times Tables Strategies
- Hand Tricks to Teach Multiplication Facts
- 10 Times Tables Games and Activities
