Multiplication Test Timers
In the downloads files section, you can find a set of multiplication practice sheets for helping your students master basic multiplication facts from the 2's through the 9's.
Each sheet is double-sided. Students complete the "Products" side on one day and the "Factor" side the next. Before taking either test, though, the paper is folded back so that only that day's test is showing. That's because the test has been designed to be self-correcting. For example, the missing product for problem #1 on the left side can be found in problem #1 on the right side.
When the test is over, they unfold the paper and use the information on one side to correct their answers on the other side. It's actually simpler than I've described it. You'll see.
Anyway, the direction sheet explains that these are timed tests. The time limit enabled me to determine if they were really memorizing the facts or were, instead, using some invented way of figuring out, say, 6 X 7. Developing alternate methods for solving problems is a good thing; nonetheless, when it comes to multiplication facts, nothing beats memorization for mastery.
The first time my students worked their way through these timed tests--one family per week=nine weeks of practicing--they were given 90 seconds in which to complete 28 problems. When we started over again with the 2's, the time was reduced to 60 seconds.
Note: I had my students work on multiplication facts almost all year long. It takes that kind of commitment to get to the point where they are truly mastered. Mastered to the point that the fourth grade teachers could always tell which students had been in my room the year before.
To help make things more enjoyable for the students and easier to manage for the teacher, I've created some songs you can use to time the test.
Two Songs
There's a 90-second version and a 60-second version. Each one starts with a trumpet intro called, "First to Post." (You'll recognize it when you hear it. It's the song they play at horse races to let you know the start of the race is imminent.) Although it's only seven seconds long, it's a great way to get your students focused and ready to go and a heck of lot better than the teacher having to say,
"Okay. You guys ready? We're about to start the test. Everyone ready? Come on, now. It's almost test time. Remember you only have 60 seconds. Ready? Okay.....Go!"
Yikes.
As soon as the last trumpet note has been played, the students begin the test. You won't hear anything from the song until thirty seconds have elapsed. At that point you'll hear either one or two cartoony b-o-i-i-n-n-g sounds. Each boing represents thirty seconds of time remaining. The 60-second song has just one boing at the halfway point. The 90-second song has two boings thirty seconds into the song and then one boing thirty seconds later.
When just five seconds remain, you'll hear a series of 5 chimes that descend in tone. (Your students will quickly figure out the chimes mean 5...4...3...2...1...
The time's up signal is from the old PacMan game. When your students hear this, they'll know to put down their pencils, unfold their tests, and correct them using something other than a pencil.
Reality: It's always good to eliminate as many temptations to cheat as possible. After all, they are still children and sometimes struggle with trying to do the right thing. Having them correct their test with a crayon or pen just makes it that much harder to give in to the temptation to write in an answer during the correction process.
A Third Version
I got a request from a teacher for a two-minute version of the song. A quick remix of the 90-second version was all it took. You'll find the link for both the aif and mp3 versions below.
A two-minute song, though, is not something you would need for the multiplication test since two minutes is way too long for just 28 problems. Nonetheless, these timer songs aren't limited to just the Triangle Tests. They can be used in a variety of situations. Bell Work, for instance, is just one example of an independent activity that cries out for a timer.
Demo Song
Here's a shortened version of the song that has all four elements: trumpet intro, "thirty seconds left" boing, the five-chime countdown, and the very brief, but effective PacMan funeral dirge.
Download
If you're not sure how to download a song, instructions can be found here. Otherwise, have at it and have fun.
Also Available
Check out Origami Flash Cards for a fun and easy-to-use tool your students can make to help them learn their facts.
3-minute Test Timer
Based upon a request from a teacher for a longer Test Timer, I made a three minute version.
Final Thought
As I'm pretty sure you know, these songs don't have to be reserved for the multiplication tests. They could be used for just about any situation that requires a 60- or 90-second time frame.
If you'd like a timer song for a longer length of time, just let me know, and I'll make a version in GarageBand. Hey, Rick. I'd like a longer song.
Reality: I'm thinking that 5 minutes is about as long as a song would be effective. Beyond that, you'd want to use a digital timer. And the best one on the market happens to be in our online store.
