What is GOOD about rote memory? Rote memory is widely used in education.   A recent survey found that 70% of the teachers surveyed felt that rote memory worked well for most students.   You don't need to purchase anything.
	What is BAD about rote memory? Research has show that rote memory is one of the least effective ways of memorizing.   Rote memory takes a giant commitment in time and effort.
	What do we suggest? Use another method.   There are methods that work much better for a greater number of students.   It you still want to use rote memory, read through some of the suggestions that follow.

Some teachers use the analogy of your brain being like a library.  The books in the library are the concepts.  Each time you review the concept it's like putting another 'book' into your 'library.'  If you put enough 'books' into your 'library,' every place you look in the library will contain a copy of the book.

Some ideas that help teaching the multiplication facts using rote memory:

• Practice, Practice, Practice
  • Have students practice the facts you are on during every free minute of class time.
  • Take it slow.  Have students learn one or two facts each day.
  • Start with the hard facts first.  7 x 8, 8 x 8, 6 x 8

• Flash Cards
  • Make two copies of flashcards for each student.  Have them keep one at school and keep the other at home.
  • Suggestions for practicing alone
    • As students go through the flash cards have them make a pile of the ones they know and a pile of the ones they don't know.  Have them spend most of their time practicing the ones they don't know.
    • Have them write down how long they practice each day.  Give rewards to those that spend time practicing.
  • Suggestions for practicing with a partner
    • Students like being the 'teacher.'  Give them time to practice with their peers.  Allow the students that don't know their times tables to be the 'teacher' some of the time.
    • Suggest that students practice with their parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, or friends.
  • Suggest that students practice while riding in the car or bus.
  • Students can keep the flashcards next to them while watching TV.  During commercials they can practice.
• Test students often - Quiz students daily or every other day.