Times tables are something that can be a huge focus for primary school children, especially as they approach the end of KS1 and begin their education in KS2. In year 4, they are actually tested on their times tables to ensure they have grasped the basics. However, let’s face it, times tables are not always easy to learn. You may have struggled yourself as a child. So how can you help your little ones? I wanted to share with you some of the best ways you can help your child with their times tables.
Use a times tables sheet and keep it hung up
A times table sheet is one of the classic ways to help a child learn their tables. In fact, you probably did similar activities yourself when you were in school. Get your little ones to fill them out and then keep one hung up where they can see it. These are also good for when your child gets a little more confident with them. You can print a blank one out and time your child as to how quickly they can fill it in. In the hope, they feel motivated to beat their personal best times.
Start with the easier ones first
There are some times tables that are just tricky, so if your child is just starting to learn them, a great tip is to start with the easier ones. These are usually the 2s, 5s, and 10s. Once they start to get to grips with those you could move on to trickier numbers like the 3s and 4s. Eventually moving on to the higher numbers like the 6s, 7s, and 8s. After a while, the others will become second nature, and tables such as 9s, 11s, and 12s will be easier for them to understand. It doesn’t matter how quickly they progress through the numbers, the best approach is to ensure they are confident with each set before moving on to learning a new one.
Times tables hacks
There are times tables hacks that I best you can remember from when you were a child that could help. 11s and 9s are two of the ones that have easy ways to remember the next number. However, a quick google online will help you to find times tables hacks that are more relevant to the way your child learns.
Times tables songs
A quick search on platforms like YouTube and you will find an array of songs and videos dedicated to helping your child learn their times tables. These are perfect if your child likes to indulge in some YouTube every so often. It gives them a memorable and fun way to remember some of the trickier times tables.
Download a fun app they can play
There are some great apps on android and iPhone that are dedicated to helping your child learn and practice their times tables. You might find that your school uses a specific app that they will have a log-on for. If you are unsure, just ask your child’s teacher.
Speak with your child’s teacher
On that note, it is always a good idea to speak with your child’s teacher. They can provide resources online, apps they could use, or other suggestions to help your child learn those times tables. This is definitely a good option if you are unsure where to start to help them. Your child’s teacher will be happy that you are willing to help and support your child at home.
Test them
This may sound like something you won’t want to do, but regularly quizzing and testing is one of the best ways to keep those times tables at the forefront of their minds. You don’t need to give them a pen and paper and quiz them twenty times over, you could easily insert a quick tables quiz in the middle of the conversation. For example, while you are cooking tea and if they are close by, you could ask them a sum. Do it a few times for different tables and you will be keeping their minds sharp on the subject matter.
Rewards and positive praise
Finally, it is also important to give them regular rewards and praise when it comes to their times tables. It isn’t always an easy subject to grasp, but the more positive and encouraging you are, the more receptive they will be to continue to learn them. Rewards are great ways to encourage them to keep learning. For example, when they finally master a set of times tables you could reward them, and then incentivise them to learn the next set. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Some chocolate, a set of cards they might be collecting, or even some minecoins, Robux, or Vbux for Fortnite. Think about what would incentivise your child?