Knowing the times tables and being able to recall with ease these facts, is essential for success in maths. Unfortunately, it can be a grind to learn for many children. In order to learn the multiplication facts, I am going to list the best way to do this.
- Children first must be competent with odd and even numbers, basic addition, able to add to 10, able to double numbers etc.
- Children need to understand that multiplication is repeated addition and work with arrays and grouping.
- Begin with x0, x1, x10, x2, x 11 and then x5
- Providing a grid chart (get yours free here) to highlight known facts helps to set goals and see progress. Typically children know more of their times tables than they are aware. Be maths investigators and also look for patterns within each table.
- In learning a multiplication table, first learn the multiples of the focus table (eg. multiples of 3). Begin with a hundreds chart to count, highlighting the multiple of 3. Say the multiples out loud, then write the multiples (up to x12) saying the multiple as it is written. Repeat this exercise each day until the multiples have been learnt. There are some cool multiple songs that can help. Lots and lots of repetition helps to strengthen the neural pathways.
- Introduce the relevant facts to associate the multiple with the fact – 3 x 3 = 9. Do this in order from 1 – 12 to begin.
- Then switch up the facts (out of order) using flash cards and play games to help consolidate the learning.
- Once the focus table has been learnt, highlight the table on the grid chart and celebrate!
- Move on to the next table with the same process.
- Then work on x3, once they have learnt x3 then they can do x6 with addition knowledge. (x6 tables is double x 3 tables)
- Then work on x9, teach the tricks Aora lists in the video below.
- Next, work on x4 which is essentially your x2 tables doubled so they should easily know this. Once this has learnt, the x8 tables are simply double x4.
- Next, Learn and revised the squares, any not yet memorised eg. 7×7, 8x 8. 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 etc would be revision at this stage.
- You will realised that by now, there will be only three multiple facts to learn – 6 x 7, 6 x 8 and 7 X 8 (and there are tricks for these so no need to memorise)
Free Charts:
Note:
- Teach students also how to associate number facts. For example: understanding how knowing 3 x 3 = 9 can help you work out 3 x 4 = 12 by adding on etc. Or knowing what 10 x 6 = 60 can help you work out 9 x 6.
- Different tables have little tricks to help memorise them. Once a child knows their x3 tables, the x6 tables are easy. Did you know that x6 is a double of x3. Having solid addition skills is crucial.
3 x 3 = 9 so 3 x 6 = (3 x 3 = double 9) which is 18
Some of my favourite tricks, tips and resources
(will continue to add more resources to this page over time)
Supercharged Science Video
Aora wonderfully explains most of the tips and tricks I use to teach multiplication in this video. There are student worksheets to go with her lesson.
Number Rock
This website has groovy multiple tunes which my girls love. This is a sample, plenty more on their website.
4 Times Tables Trick
4 times table is double 2 times table
Using the number line to explore the doubles table trick (a little more in depth)
6 Times Tables Trick
Double three times table helps you with your 6 times table
Five Times table plus x1 table helps you with your 6 times table
