Product Review of Multiplication Mountain by Hap Palmer

There are certain math concepts that can be difficult to grasp, especially if the student is young. Learning the multiplication table is perhaps one of the most challenging math facts children have to conquer. Fortunately, there is a new CD called Multiplication Mountain that can help kids master this concept faster. Incidentally, my child is learning multiplication in school so I put this CD to the test. Let me just say this...Hap Palmer delivers.

Multiplication Mountain is the new CD from multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and educator Hap Palmer. Palmer is known for his innovative use of music that encourages children to learn essential concepts and skills.

In this new CD, multiplication facts are presented in a logical sequence; starting off with the easiest and slowly moving on to more challenging facts. Children learn multiplying by 2's, 10's, 5's and 11's on the first level. On the second level, they learn multiplying by 3's, 9's and 4's, followed by 6's and 8's on the third level. As they reach the top of the multiplication mountain, kids tackle multiplying by 7's before finally reaching the sun where the number 12 is.

Each fact has a corresponding song which makes learning how to multiply less tedious and more fun. All the songs are well-written and catchy; it also incorporates different styles of music like waltz, classical and rock and roll. Each song is repeated twice; the first one with the complete lyrics and the second one minus the answers to the multiplication fact being learned.

The liner notes comes with the lyrics of each song with suggested activities to reinforce learning. There is a bonus song for learning the 4's using a different tune and an additional track titled "Shake-Up the Table" that presents facts randomly.

Since 1969, Hap Palmer has helped young children build their vocabularies and math skills through music. I remember listening to his songs when I was in elementary school. It will be no surprise then if Multiplication Mountain becomes another product that will be used in homes and schools for years to come.