{FREE} Multiplication Equation Search: Unique Challenge for Kids
As I finish up third grade with one of my kids, we’re spending a little time daily working through and practicing multiplication facts. I want this fun though, not boring and monotonous! Sometimes we play a fun multiplication card game like this one, and other times I give them independent practice. I created this set of multiplication games for 3rd grade as a low-prep but engaging way to practice multiplication. These games are similar to word searches, but for math! Learn more to see if this would be a fun activity to help your 3rd graders review multiplication!
Find the Facts: A Multiplication Game for 3rd Grade
I created this set of games to help my 3rd grader review and have focused practice on multiplication facts. But you could also use these with kids in 2nd grade or 4th grade.
Learning the Multiplication Facts:
This set includes practice with all the facts from 2-12. But I don’t recommend you learn the facts in numerical order.
Shelley Gray has a helpful article that explains why you should teach the facts in a more logical order to help with understanding and retention.
If you are just learning the facts with your students, you can use these multiplication games for practice on each specific set of facts.
Or if you’re looking for games to review at the end of 3rd grade or the beginning of 4th grade, you can mix them up, or use the printable board games mentioned below.
Low-Prep Multiplication Games:
One of the things I like best about these games is that they are no prep: all you have to do is print out the equation searches you’d like to use!
Then explain to your kids that they will be looking for all the facts in the grid.
When they find 3 numbers that form one of the multiplication facts, they must turn it into an equation and circle the answer.
There is a checklist on the bottom of each page to help kids keep track of which multiplication facts they’re looking for.
I would encourage kids to solve the multiplication problems first, then they will know what they’re looking for in the puzzle.
The equations can be found horizontally, vertically and diagonally.
I have also found that kids (and myself) often repeat facts aloud while they’re looking for it in the puzzle, once again reinforcing and reviewing that multiplication fact.
Ideas for Incorporating These Multiplication Games for 3rd Grade:
These can be used for independent homework practice, or in the classroom to reinforce the multiplication facts kids are learning.
This would make a great early finisher review game, or a fun way to practice when you have a substitute teacher.
You could also give all students the same practice page and have them keep it on their desk face down. They could then all turn the page over at the same time to see who can find all the facts first.
I don’t usually encourage you to focus on speed, but kids love challenging each other. So if you know your kids are all at about the same ability level and would enjoy the race (rather than causing anxiety or stress) this could be a fun way to use these!
If your kids are not at the same ability level, you could also put them in small groups to differentiate. Then give members of each group the same equation search and race each other.
This will allow you to give kids who are ready a more challenging set of facts to practice, while others can practice where they are.
More Multiplication Games for 3rd Grade:
Another fun and low prep way to practice with small groups or as a math center is with this set of printable multiplication board games.
This allows kids to practice a mixed review of multiplication facts rather than a single set of facts.
These games can also be differentiated, because there are 3 different levels included, covering different multiplication facts.
Learn more about these printable multiplication games here.
Ready to grab the ‘Find the Facts’ multiplication games? Click the link below to grab the free set (answer keys not included).
Want the complete set WITH ANSWER KEYS?
You can grab this set with answer keys for just $2:
>>Buy the Set with Answer Keys HERE
You can also find this set with answer keys in my complete Introduction to Multiplication Bundle. This includes hands on lessons, skip counting games, and low prep practice.
>>Buy the Intro to Multiplication BUNDLE Here
{Grab the FREE Multiplication Equation Search Games HERE!}
More Multiplication Games for 3rd Grade: