Three in a Row — a Tables Game

This is an activity that we were introduced to by a visiting American teacher some years ago. It is intended to help children learn their multiplication tables, and be willing to work out answers that do not come readily to mind. It has been used successfully ever since. Activity 1

Construct a grid as illustrated in Figure 31.1 and number the ends of the line as shown.

Figure 31.1 Example of grid used for revising tables https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315070087/6a979945-b057-462a-8368-665fce94a565/content/fig00063_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

Teachers can choose any numbers, depending on what multiplication tables they want the children to revise.

Divide children into two teams. Each team takes it in turn to multiply two numbers together and give the answer. For instance, team A could choose 8 x 4 is 32. The teacher would mark the intersection with a coloured blob, for example, red. The object of the game is to get three answers in a row, be it diagonal, horizontal or vertical.

Team B will try to block team A, and vice versa. In the above, team B might choose 3 x 4 is 12 and the teacher could mark this with a blue blob. The game continues until one team has won. Prizes can be given.

Activity 2

Practise addition and subtraction facts by playing 'Three in a row' using numbers appropriate to the age and ability of the children you are teaching. Figure 31.2 shows a game where children are practising adding two two-digit numbers mentally.

Figure 31.2 Example of grid used for mental addition of two-digit numbers https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315070087/6a979945-b057-462a-8368-665fce94a565/content/fig00064_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>