(Now it is easy to use the calculator to do multiplication but when we were small, we have learned this by heart and we will be punished severally if we make a mistake. Image source: Pinterest)
The hardest thing that I encountered during my childhood and something I dreaded making mistake is reciting my multiplications to my mom.
Continuing the childhood series – read Part 5 here and rest of the series here
1 x 1 = 1
1 x 2 = 2
1 x 3 = 4 (errr…)
Whack!
1 x 3 = 3
Before we take our showers in the evenings (and before our TV time), we have our study time (my mom prepare a lot of questions those days, she could have been a teacher). And without fail, one of the topics will be multiplications. The multiplication table is found at the back of almost all notebooks.
My mom would allow us to “study” them, often giving us a range to recite say 1 to 3. For us, the range up to 5 (1 x 5, 2 x 5, 3 x 5…) is a walk in the park. The “trouble” starts at 6 where the mistakes often come in. Memory fails us. And every time we say something wrong, one hard whack from cane lands on our hand. No mercy whatsoever!
And with multiplication session is on a daily basis and the mistakes that are very usual, just imagine the number of whacking we used to get. On best days, my mom does not cane us but we need to do sit-ups. Predictably we prefer the sit-ups to canings. The session is over when my mom had enough of our “silly mistakes” & crying (we had learned to act well too) and sends us to the bathroom to take shower.
The funny thing is our crying immediately stops and we are gleaming with laughter as we “march” to take our showers. Those were the days…when my mom looked mean and fierce, hehe
Hahaha…so fully understand what you’re talking about. Went through the same thing with the whacking included. Only difference was, my mom WAS a teacher so even more pressure lar 😛
Cheers!!! 😀
Mom a teacher – double ouch!