Multiplication tables are a very useful tool for children to understand the essence of this mathematical operation, which is nothing more than the successive addition of the same number as many times as its multiplier indicates. Each number has its own multiplication table and to teach them it is usual to always start with the multiplication table of 1 since it is the simplest and easiest to memorize of all.

How to explain to children the multiplication table of 1?

Teaching children the multiplication table of 1 is very simple since it is the easiest of all. This is because the result of each operation is the same number that we multiply by 1. Therefore, if we multiply, for example, 1 x 1 the result will be 1 while if we multiply 1 x 4 the result will be 4, the same if we try with 1 x 7, whose result will be 7.

So that the children understand it better, you can explain to them that this is because in each multiplication operation what they really do is add the number 1 as many times as its multiplier indicates. That is, 1 x 3 is the same as 1 + 1 + 1, the result is 3. By adding 1 each time, the result always coincides with the multiplier.

Exercises to learn the multiplication table of 1

Children with a good memory will not take long to learn the multiplication table of 1, but if we really want children to understand the essence of multiplication, instead of just reproducing the results automatically, the best alternative is to Propose exercises for them to calculate each operation on their own.

In this sense, games can become excellent allies since the little ones can have fun and become more involved in learning. Here are some fun resources for kids to practice the 1 times table:

1. Word problems

Most children love to solve problems, and it is an excellent exercise to stimulate logical thinking and reasoning abilities. In this case, they can also help the little ones to learn the table of 1 in a simple and fun way. All you have to do is give them different word problems based on the multiplication table of 1 for them to solve. For example, you can ask: Lucas has 6 baskets and in each basket he put an apple, how many apples does Lucas have?

2. Experiments with objects

Children tend to learn abstract concepts better if they see them physically represented, which is why it is much easier for them to reproduce the multiplication table of 1 with materials than from memory. To make their work easier, you can organize games in which they manipulate cards, beads, pencils or any other object. The idea is that you can manipulate said objects while multiplying. You can ask them, for example, to put as many pencils in a box as the result of multiplying 1 x 5.

3. Karaoke songs

Children have a lot of fun with music, while it helps stimulate their creativity and imagination. Therefore, an excellent resource for them to learn and practice the multiplication table of 1 is to teach them the table through a song. On the Internet you can find various very catchy songs of the table of 1 that you will surely love, like this theme by Miliki with which the most daring are still encouraged to dance to the rhythm of the music while they exercise the multiplication of 1.