What is the next generation going to be?

DUMB! Well, not all of them at least, but I'm shocked to know that 6th graders don't know their multiplication tables! We learned those in the 3rd grade when I was younger, and now they are learning them even earlier, but to not "get it" after 3 or 4 years of experience just blows my mind. I had my first set of students yesterday and 1 of the 4 honestly KNEW multplication in his head. Two others had to think about it, which is fine, but one was either very shy or didn't know them at all. It's gonna be a long year! They are great kids though, so I think if I can find a way to make learning math FUN (which I think math is a blast!) then it will go smoother. Any ideas????