Times tables are often taught through rote learning—reciting them like a rhyme. However, research shows that relying solely on rote memorization can lead to maths anxiety, which will hinder a child’s ability to learn and enjoy mathematics over their lifetime. Our world needs good mathematicians; it’s a very rewarding career, BUT many excellent mathematicians struggle with rote learning!
Placing time pressure on a child, such as during a timed times tables test, can trigger math anxiety. Modern brain imaging studies show that anxiety disrupts the brain’s ability to form new connections, making it harder to learn.
Education experts differ on the importance of a young child memorizing lots of times tables facts, but they do agree on the importance of understanding the relationships between multiplication facts. For example:
These connections not only supercharge memory but also reduce the number of times tables facts children need to memorise. Unfortunately, these relationships are often missing from times tables workbooks, maths apps, songs, and online activities.
Suggesting a child makes three rows of four cars is an example of them learning maths facts with physical objects. This is meaningful AND a brilliant maths activity because it creates powerful visual memories that make it easier to remember multiplication facts and achieve correct answers during tests. The tables sum written on a page as ‘3 x 4 =’ is abstract and much harder to make sense of UNLESS it's connected to objects.
By spotting connections in everyday life, it becomes easier to learn the times tables. Examples include:
Playing times tables games with physical objects is a brilliant way to help your child with maths learning at home. These games:
Get started with these fun activities, and you can help your child master times tables multiplication, perform well in tests, and develop lifelong confidence in mathematics.
Learning the two times tables can be enjoyable and fear-free! Play these games and you can help your child build confidence, understanding, and memory.
Encourage your child to handle counters and talk about numbers. This helps them develop strong visual images and discover patterns, making it easier to remember the 2 times table facts.
Research shows that time pressure can trigger math anxiety, so start with hands-on games instead of tablet-based activities like the popular Topmarks Hit the Button. Building confidence with real objects is key.
★ Pass it on :
On your turn, talk about the two times table facts. For example:
“Ten, that’s five times two. I’ll need five ladybird cards.”
“What number are you hoping to spin?”
★ Pass it on:
Ask questions like:
“You have one extra counter already. How many more ladybird cards will you get if you roll a three?”
Create another set of game cards, drawing something meaningful to your child, for example bikes with two wheels. Play a game with a spinner or dice. Because this activity involves drawing images related to the two times table it takes the learning to the next level.
★ Pass it on:
Encourage your child to talk about the numbers they’re hoping to spin. For example:
“I hope I spin 18—nine lots of two is 18.”
Mistakes are normal and helpful when playing these games! Reassure your child (and yourself) that errors are part of the process. They’ll learn and improve over time.
This approach helps your child build confidence in their times tables while having fun. Let me know if you'd like additional tips or ideas!
Learning the three times tables can be enjoyable and fear-free! Play these games and you can help your child build confidence, understanding, and memory.
Encourage your child to handle counters and talk about numbers. This helps them develop strong visual images and discover patterns, making it easier to remember the 3 times table facts.
Research shows that time pressure can trigger math anxiety, so start with hands-on games instead of tablet-based activities like the popular Topmarks Hit the Button. Building confidence with real objects is key.
★ Pass it on :
On your turn, talk about the three times table facts. For example:
“Twelve, that’s four times three. I’ll need four ladybird cards.”
“What number are you hoping to spin?”
★ Pass it on:
Ask questions like:
“You have one extra counter already. How many more ladybird cards will you get if you roll a five?”
Make another set of game cards, drawing something meaningful to your child, for example coats with three buttons. Play a game with a spinner or dice. Because this activity involves drawing images related to the three times table it takes the learning to the next level.
★ Pass it on:
Encourage your child to talk about the numbers they’re hoping to spin. For example:
“I hope I spin 18—six lots of three is 18.”
Learning the four times tables can be enjoyable and fear-free! Play these games and you can help your child build confidence, understanding, and memory.
Encourage your child to handle counters and talk about numbers. This helps them develop strong visual images and discover patterns, making it easier to remember the 4 times table facts.
Research shows that time pressure can trigger math anxiety, so start with hands-on games instead of tablet-based activities like the popular Topmarks Hit the Button. Building confidence with real objects is key.
★ Pass it on :
On your turn, talk about the four times table facts. For example:
“Sixteen, that’s four times four. I’ll need four ladybird cards.”
“What number are you hoping to spin?”
★ Pass it on:
Ask questions like:
“You have two extra counter already. How many more ladybird cards will you get if you roll a ten?”
Create another set of game cards, drawing something meaningful to your child, for example cars with four wheels. Play a game with a spinner or dice. Because this activity involves drawing images related to the four times table it takes the learning to the next level.
★ Pass it on:
Encourage your child to talk about the numbers they’re hoping to spin. For example:
“I hope I spin 18—nine lots of two is 18.”
Learning the five times tables can be enjoyable and fear-free! Play these games and you can help your child build confidence, understanding, and memory.
Encourage your child to handle counters and talk about numbers. This helps them develop strong visual images and discover patterns, making it easier to remember the 5 times table facts.
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★ Pass it on :
On your turn, talk about the five times table facts. For example:
“Thirty, that’s six times five. I’ll need six ladybird cards.”
“What number are you hoping to spin?”
★ Pass it on:
Ask questions like:
“You have three extra counter already. How many more ladybird cards will you get if you roll a ten?”
Create another set of game cards, drawing something meaningful to your child, for example flowers with five petals. Play a game with a spinner or dice. Because this activity involves drawing images related to the five times table it takes the learning to the next level.
★ Pass it on:
Encourage your child to talk about the numbers they’re hoping to spin. For example:
“I hope I spin 45—nine lots of five is 45.”
Learning the six times tables can be enjoyable and fear-free! Play these games and you can help your child build confidence, understanding, and memory.
Encourage your child to handle counters and talk about numbers. This helps them develop strong visual images and discover patterns, making it easier to remember the 6 times table facts.
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★ Pass it on :
On your turn, talk about the six times table facts. For example:
“Thirty, that’s five times six. I’ll need five?” ladybird cards.”
“What number are you hoping to spin?”
★ Pass it on:
Ask questions like:
“You have three extra counter already. How many more ladybird cards will you get if you roll a ten?”
Create another set of game cards, drawing something meaningful to your child, for example egg boxes with six eggs. Play a game with a spinner or dice. Because this activity involves drawing images related to the six times table it takes the learning to the next level.
★ Pass it on:
Encourage your child to talk about the numbers they’re hoping to spin. For example:
“I hope I spin 48—eight lots of six is 48.”
