As I work with my 9-year-old to make sure he’s practicing his math facts, I realize that his road to mastery of the times tables (which I define and me being able to ask him tough ones like 7 times 8 and he answering swiftly) is slow.

My son isn’t so hot at memorization, regardless of topic. He needs lots and lots of attempts before it sticks. Right now fact memorization is more like water flowing over rocks than glue on paper.

However, he’s realized that he needs to practice everyday to keep up with the other kids and make his parents happy. He did do well on a quiz and could cross reference the work he does to the positive feeling of doing well.

So it made me wonder. What do I remember from grade 3 learning times tables. All I remember is flash cards and stress.

What do you remember?