GB2288905A - Learning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for use in learning multiplication tables comprises a series of factor cards displaying a single integer sequentially valued from 1 to n, and a series of product cards displaying the product of the factor multiplied by a pre-selected base number, the product cards displaying the range of integers from 1n to nn.

Description

LEARNING APPARATUS This invention relates to learning apparatus especially, but not exclusively, for use as an aid in the learning of multiplication tables.

Many school pupils experience difficulty in learning multiplication tables and, indeed, adults too may experience similar difficulty, especially if they suffer from dyscalculia. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide apparatus which enables multiplication tables to be learnt in the context of playing a game, which tends to remove from the learning process some of the frustration of attempting to commit to memory the various multiplication products in numerical factor sequence.

Attempts have previously been made, for example as disclosed in GB-A-2264239, to provide apparatus for teaching mathematics in the form of game cards, the cards consisting fundamentally of a set of cards denoting numbers which can be multiplied together and a set of product cards. However, such cards often bear additional information such as all of the denominators of a product number, or symbols displaying common factors. This information may be suitable in teaching older children but very small children who are being introduced to numeracy may become confused by the presentation of the additional information.

According to the present invention, apparatus for use in learning multiplication tables comprises a series of factor cards displaying a single integer sequentially valued from 1 to n, and a series of product cards displaying the product of the factor multiplied by a pre selected base number, the product cards displaying the range of integers from in to nn.

Preferably, twelve factor cards, each displaying a digit between 1 and 12, with at least 58 product cards, each displaying one of the possible products of lxi to 12x12, are used.

More preferably, the product cards are arranged into packs, each pack containing all the required product values for a preselected base number multiplied by the factors.

Thus, the cards are kept simple such that they are suitable for use by small children.

Thus, according to the preferred embodiment, the multiple packs encompass the products of the "one times" multiplication tables through to and including the "twelve times" multiplication table, in respective packs for each multiplication table.

Optionally, the apparatus also includes a playing board comprising designated or discrete areas for placement of the cards in use, and timing means. The apparatus may also include random chance selector means such as dice.

The respective packs may be colour-coded, for example, to distinguish cards in one pack from cards in another pack.

The factor cards and product cards may display their respective integers and products such that they can be read from opposite directions.

One way of using apparatus according to the invention will now be described by way of example. To assist in learning a multiplication table of a particular base number, the appropriate multiple cards for that base are laid out on a playing surface. One or more players may participate in the game, either against the clock or in direct competition. Each player is provided with a pack of factor cards and attempts, in the shortest possible time, to cover each multiple card with the relevant factor card which, when multiplied with the base number, gives the multiple number as the product. The base number may be selected at random, for example by operation of the random chance selector means.

The invention provides for the learning of multiplication tables in an enjoyable way, with an element of competition but without the drudgery associated with attempting to learn as a purely academic exercise.

Claims (7)

1. Apparatus for use in learning multiplication tables comprising a series of factor cards displaying a single integer sequentially valued from 1 to n, and a series of product cards displaying the product of the factor multiplied by a pre-selected base number, the product cards displaying the range of integers from in to nn.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, including twelve factor cards7 each displaying a digit between 1 and 12, with at least 58 product cards, each displaying one of the possible products of lxi to 12x12.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the product cards are arranged into packs, each pack containing all the required product values for a preselected base number multiplied by the factors.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, in which the multiple packs encompass the products of the "one times" multiplication table through to and including the "twelve times" multiplication table, in respective packs for each multiplication table.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, in which respective packs are colour-coded.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, the apparatus also including a playing board comprising designated or discrete areas for placement of the cards in use, and timing means.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including random chance selector means.