I'm sure throughout your child's life, you remember a point at which they were learning about Lowest Common Multiples (LCM's), or as they're known when studying fractions, Lowest Common Denominators (LCD's).  Although they are possible to figure out in one's head, very slowly, you can also figure them out using a multiplication chart. 
So, as one of my students and I were recently printing out a new copy of a 30 x 30 multiplication chart, we discovered this gem........... yes, it really is...... a LCM/CLD CHART!!

Although I couldn't find who actually made it up, and I couldn't find the original place on the website where this lovely chart was posted, I am thoroughly thankful for it, and have linked the address where I found it (thanks to a Google Image search). 

Also, in case you're wondering, there is a great set of multiplication charts that I use and will include them below (click on the image for the link to the image, or the website where possible).

In a class where students are not allowed calculators, multiplication tables are generally allowed.  So far, students of mine from grade 6 up have been allowed to use them in the classroom, so they might be worthwhile printing out for you too!  They also look pretty snazzy in a sheet protector as well (kids enjoy using their pencils to follow the lines to the product).
Happy Printing!

I've mentioned this website before, but I'm going to show you how to access it again!  Follow along to get to some cool resources including videos (aligned with your course textbook), quizzes and online live tutoring! It covers Math 4 and 9, as well as most core grade 10, 11 and 12 courses!!

Go to www.learnnowbc.ca and click on the Login button

I can give you my login information so you can try it out (just send me an email, message through facebook or text message).  Setup your own free account afterwards if you want to use this often! 

Once you've logged in, Click on Tutoring and Study Centre

Click on one of the three headings (they all take you to the same place)

Select your Grade

These are the courses that offer videos, quizzes or Live tutoring for your grade!

The Red checkmark will indicate that you can have live tutoring (a window will come up with a chat program similar to Skype), Green is the Quizzes, and my favorite the Yellow lightning bolt for the Video Lessons!  I'll show you what they look like in the next picture...

Here, I clicked on the Yellow Checkmark for Foundations of Math 11.  Here, you see there are a variety of lessons.  Just click on the lesson you're currently on and you can watch a video instruction lesson as well as examples.  Such a great resource!!

As I said above, if you would like to see what it's like for yourself, please contact me and I can give you my username and password to try out.  Its also very simple to set up your own account.  Often a parent account is easiest as you don't need the PEN number for your student!
Happy Studying!!

For my Math 10-12 students!! A Valentine's Equation for you

*note, there should be no 'y' instead it should be a '7'.  Thanks to Pinterest for this fun post!

Welcome everyone to the new school year!  I am excited to announce our  new Creatures of Curiosity programs for this fall.  The first one starts on September 27th, so act fast!!

The second new program is to help those taking Math 10!  As last years demand for homework-help in Math 10 was high, we now have this new 'homework club' program!

As well, for new clients, here are the Fall 2012 Tutoring Specials we are offering!

Multiplication is always a challenging subject for students to learn.  You begin learning multiplication by making ‘groups of’ numbers (or counters).  Counters can be beans, beads, anything of a uniform size and shape.  Previous to teaching multiplication, the child should be familiar with adding and subtracting using counters.    A beginning question you might ask for multiplication could be “If you make 3 groups with 4 beans in each group, how many beans do you have totalled?”  Once the child has mastered making groups of equal numbers, then you can start asking the question something like “if you have 3 groups of 4, how many do you have total?”

In Montessori, there are many different ways to teach multiplication.  One interesting way that works for children of all ages is using the Multiplication Bead Board.  Here is a video of a student demonstrating how she is using the board to solve multiplication problems.

Here is one more link to someone’s blog where it describes how you would use the board.

I think this would be a great tool to use at home.  Imagine all the different activities you could do using this board beyond multiplication! You and your child could make up games, do addition, division, subtraction and maybe even some variation on Tic-tac-toe or S.O.S!!

Here is a link to a bead board you can make using paper, foam core and push pins!

And, another creative solution is using an old bathmat!!  And, of course you could make your own if you are skilled with a saw and drill.