Learning the times tables off by heart is vitally important for all children. A thorough knowledge of the times tables helps to set the foundation for children to learn more advanced mathematics and in the process helps to build their self esteem and confidence.
Times Table Progression
Children are first expected to be able to recall and use all of the multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, before moving on to also include the 3, 4, 6 and 8 times tables and then all of their times tables (up to 12 x 12) as well as the related division facts. Once children have mastered their times tables, they are encouraged to gain speed in recalling multiplication and division facts and to apply these skills to related facts such as multiples of 10 and decimals.
There are a whole host of online apps and games which help children learn their tables, a few of which I’ve provided links to below. Research shows that regularly practising these skills, little & often, really helps children to memorize and retain these key facts.
Home Help
There are a number of ways that you can help your child to learn their times tables at home:
- Download times tables sung to music, or even a rap
- Skipping games: chant the times tables as you skip.
- When you’re out and about, look for numbers everywhere and then ask your child times table related facts about them
- Enlist the aid of your family. Agree to ask each other random times tables throughout the day when your child is around to hear. Race to see who can answer the problem first. Your child will enjoy beating you and other family members to the answer.
- Download the times tables grid to complete. Try and improve your speed and accuracy every day/week.
Websites to go to:
www.multiplication.com – great interactive activities and plenty of other ideas of games to play
www.mathletics.co.uk – children login with their school login and the can listen to the Times Tables Toons
Hit the button – quickfire times tables and division facts
Apps:
Squeebles: – Squeebles Times Tables 2 allows children to practise their 
times tables in a fun and interactive way. By answering times tables questions, children help Whizz to rescue the Squeebles from the clutches of the nasty Maths Monster and earn a multitude of rewards, as well as earning turns on two great mini-games.
Math Duel: – Covering all the operations, Math Duel is a split screen mathematics game 
that pits two players against each other on the same device! Change settings for each player to level the playing field. New single player mode is also great for fun.
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