Lakeshore Multiplication Machine

I had a toy similar to this when I was a kid learning my times tables. It was laid out in this grid, and I pulled levers for each number to reveal the answer. I loved quizzing myself, and learned the multiplication tables very quickly.Now that my kids are learning the times tables, I have searched far and wide for a toy that has all of the numbers, 1-9, laid out in this grid, knowing that the grid helps the student find patterns and see relationships that you miss when using flash cards or something similar. I've even searched websites to find a grid layout game online, and couldn't find it.I found this toy, but hesitated because it didn't look like very high quality (there is another, similar toy on the market that got bad reviews because of its poor quality). I finally caved and ordered this toy, since I hadn't found anything else similar, and my daughter really needed some help seeing the big picture. When it arrived, I was surprised at how heavy it is. Though the numbers are only printed on stickers that are placed on the plastic (I wish the numbers were printed directly on the plastic), the toy itself seems fairly well-made. I'm still not sure how long the springs will last, as we just received the toy today. But I do have a better first impression than I expected.Update: We've now had this toy for over three years and it's still holding up strong. My now three-year-old likes to play with it, too, punching the buttons over and over, and yet there is no sign of wear and tear whatsoever. It's been dropped, had books stacked on it, used to entertain a rather destructive toddler, and packed into bags for travel all over the house (wherever we feel like doing our work that day). Other than the loud noise it makes every time a button is pushed, I've been highly impressed with this thing overall.UPDATE 10 YEARS LATER: We've now had this toy through four home schooled kids. It looks and functions as good as new and currently at work teaching my youngest kiddo his times tables. All the kids have enjoyed just punching the buttons for the fun of it, and it's helped all four learn their times tables. Can't recommend this one enough-- one of the best home school purchases I've made!

I really like this device for helping my daughter learn multiplication facts. It works really well and is fun to use. I highly recommend it.

The media could not be loaded. My daughter has struggled with her multiplication facts. This has been an excellent tool to help her. It is easy to use a great size and quality. She has greatly enjoyed using it and her skills have improved dramatically. I have seen this in her Montessori school as well. And the school has loved this manipulative as well. Teachers, parents and students alike in my experience highly recommend this learning tool.

A little expensive for me, but it has definitely helped my son with his times tables. Would definitely recommend it.

The media could not be loaded. Really well-made item. Quality is comparable to things like this made in the 80s/90s. Not something that will break easily and will stand up to years of use. Didn't hold my daughter's interest very long, but times tables aren't the most exciting thing. Great learning tool.

Like that it's a different way for the kids to engage with their multiplication tables versus the normal flashcards. It's nice to be able to add some variety to their learning. My daughter seems to like it so far.

My 8 year old gives this a "10 out of 10!" I waited to buy this for some time because it is quite expensive. However, it has proven its worth through its durability and effectiveness! It's light and portable and my son practiced to and from school in the car. If you have a kiddo who likes fidget spinners or constantly moving and touching things, this works way better than standard flashcards. The pushing of the buttons and clicking noises satisfied these sensory seeker kids' needs while helping them memorize their multiplication facts. He quickly was awarded a "Fact Master" certificate and successfully memorized all of his facts thanks to this tutor of a machine. If you're on the fence about the price, just get it and know it'll be effective and durable enough to pass on to siblings or family and friends as well!

Great way to keep track of which multiplications still needs to be memorized and children love the buttons and sound it makes! I tell my students, the button "stays down" until it is memorized in the "third" closet of their brain, where it's locked in forever!!!!