Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child use this method on standardized tests?

It's very likely! So, even if the student is not allowed to use a calculator, he or she should still be able to use things such as scratch paper for figuring, and methods such as finger multiplication for accomplishing the same thing. Look at a bunch of second and third graders taking a standardized math test. You'll see an awful lot of finger counting taking place, so multiplying on fingers should also be OK to do. Check with your school or classroom teacher.

How long does it take before a student is fluent with finger multiplication?

That depends on each individual student. In general, if a student is at around a 3rd grade overall level in math, he or she should be able to learn this method anywhere from a couple of weeks (best case scenario) to 3-4 months (worst case scenario).

In addition, a lot depends on the child's general cognitive level, whether or not there is the presence of any learning disabilities, other factors affecting the child's education (such as a sensory impairment or other conditions) , and the amount of practice that particular child needs. Just as the traditional way of learning the multiplication tables isn't for everyone, this way may not be for everyone. It was originally developed to help kids showing a preference for "kinesthetic", or hands-on learning. It became immediately apparent, however, that even other types of learners, from so-called "visual" to "auditory" were benefiting as well.

What if my child forgets the numbers assigned to each hand?

We have included an appendix at the end of the book that summarizes which numbers go on which hands, and this can be copied for the student.

Generally, when a child is able to do the finger multiplication as taught, they are also able to tell where the numbers go after a short time (usually within 2-3 weeks, but again, every child is different).

Can you go past " ten times X " with this method?

Yes, it's possible to go up to the 12s tables by simply extending the numbering system to unused parts of the fingers. In fact, one can theoretically learn to multiply such numbers as 17 X 9, using an extension of the overall method, but this isn't addressed here.

Doesn't doing finger multiplication take a long time to do?

The average length of time for a child to calculate a problem such as 7 X 8 using this method is around 10-15 seconds. The longest time would be around 30 seconds, the shortest time is around 5-10 seconds. So, that kind of time frame may be OK for some situations, and not OK for others. In almost all cases, the child comes up with the RIGHT answer, PROVIDED they have learned the method. And, like a lot of things, they tend to improve with practice. I do know that where some children haven't been able to learn multiplication the traditional way, that ANY way they CAN learn it is a vast improvement. It's worth the extra 20-30 seconds if a kid gets a boost in confidence from knowing that they are doing math that A) makes sense to them and B) gets them the correct answer to a problem.

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