How I taught my daughter the most difficult table

During the early morning school runs, I like to lift my neighbors who have parked their cars at home due to a number of reasons.

They usually stay at the gates of our estate for people like me.

But sometimes, I hesitate because the morning school runs are quality time my children and I use to tell one another stories or learn new things. But whenever a stranger is in the car, we’re not as free to discuss anything, as all my children are shy—just like their father.

On this particular day, I was about to drive off before realizing that the woman waiting at the gate was one of our nearest neighbors. So I picked her up, a nice Igbo lady.

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“Have you heard from my friend?” I asked about her son who has gone off to boarding school.

“No,” she said, “but my husband took his elder sister to the same school on Monday.”

After exchanging greetings, I decided to go ahead with our daily lessons. The day before, I taught my daughter the rule of the 9 times table. I wondered if she remembered. But she did because she answered all my questions. The neighbor was impressed.

Here’s a simple way I taught her the nine times table:

“We’ll use the 10 times table to learn 9,” I told her.

“10 times table is easy. Remind me of the rule of 10.”

“Any number times 10,” she sang, “put a zero at its back.”

“Good. Now any number times 9, you first multiply by 10 then subtract the number,” I said and gave her a few examples:

9 x 2 = 20 – 2

= 18

4 x 9 = 40 – 4

= 36

9 x 6 = 60 – 6

= 54

After that, I gave her classwork. By the way, I always give classwork whether the lesson is inside or outside the classroom, whether I’m teaching children or adults. That’s what my book, “One Secret of Straight-A Students,” is about: a short lesson followed by lots of practice.

Use the rule above to see if you can answer these questions in two seconds:

9×1

9×3

9×5

9×7

9×8

9×9

9×11

9×12

In sum, studies have shown that the knowledge of basic math facts improves the chances of students succeeding in STEM subjects and professions.

Finally, I want you to take a moment to reflect on this method. What does it teach you? One of the main lessons here is that instead of rote memorization, the method teaches children the relationship between numbers. Also, it shows how to use what you’ve got to get what you want, which is also a useful philosophy in life.

To learn how your child can master the multiplication tables in 3 days and get a head start in math, I recommend you Google my video course “How to Master Multiplication Tables in Three Days,” which also comes with an ebook.

I guarantee that this is one of the best investments for your child.

In the realm of education, much like the art of teaching multiplication tables, the journey is often more profound than the destination. As I navigated the morning school runs with my daughter, I discovered a parallel between imparting knowledge and giving a lift to our neighbors. Just as I hesitated to share our space with a stranger, the teaching process requires a delicate balance, ensuring an environment where learning can flourish unencumbered.

Teaching my daughter the complexities of the nine times table became a testament to the effectiveness of unconventional methods. Analogous to driving through the gates with a neighbor in tow, I leveraged the familiarity of the 10 times table to unravel the mysteries of the nine. This approach not only facilitated comprehension but also showcased the power of understanding relationships over mere memorization.

In the grand scheme of education, the exchange with my neighbor emphasized the importance of community support. Much like sharing the car ride, collaborative learning environments foster intellectual growth. The interaction was a reminder that education extends beyond the confines of a classroom, echoing the essence of my teaching philosophy encapsulated in “One Secret of Straight-A Students”: short lessons paired with ample practice, inside or outside traditional learning spaces.

The simple rule of multiplying by 10 and subtracting revealed a fundamental truth—that true understanding surpasses rote memorization. It illuminated the intricate dance between numbers, teaching not just arithmetic but cultivating a philosophy applicable to life itself: using what you have to attain what you desire.

As we ponder this pedagogical journey, it beckons us to reflect on the broader implications. The method transcends mathematical mastery; it instills a mindset that resonates with life’s challenges. In conclusion, my video course, “How to Master Multiplication Tables in Three Days,” stands not just as an educational tool but as an investment in nurturing a holistic approach to learning—one that intertwines knowledge with understanding and application.