Do Japanese kids learn to multiply by drawing lines?

No. It's called 'kuku' and you learn multiplication tables by saying them rhythmically. Kuku – Memorizing Multiplication Tables. read more

No. It's called 'kuku' and you learn multiplication tables by saying them rhythmically. Kuku – Memorizing Multiplication Tables read more

The great thing is that you do not need to learn Japanese to master this method, all you need to do is to be able to draw and count lines and dots. You actually multiply without actually multiplying! You can also take a look at some hints and tips to memorise your times tables and learning your 13,14,15,16,17,18,19 to 20 times tables as a resource to help pupils develop this skill. read more

Instead of going through and multiplying the "old-fashioned" way used in the united states, it simplifies the task into counting the intersection of lines. For example: [math]2*3 = 6[/math] If you were to draw three lines, one line would have three points of intersection. read more