Working with numbers becomes a lot easier when you have learnt your times tables! To learn them you simply have to remember them, we have to train our memory to remember them.

By the end of Year Two it is a statutory requirement within the national curriculum for number that children should have been taught to:

  • count in steps of 2, 3, and 5 from 0, and in tens from any number, forward and backward

and

  • recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables, including recognising odd and even numbers.

At school we do daily number activities and are learning our times tables but it is a skill that needs to be practiced often. Our aim is that the children become fluent in their 2, 5 and 10 times table.  Also, that they have fun learning them and see the patterns and links between numbers within them.  We want the children to begin to relate these to fractions and measures (for example, 40 ÷ 2 = 20, 20 is a half of 40). Also that they understand and are able to reason that for example, 4 × 5 = 20 and 20 ÷ 5 = 4 multiplication and division have an inverse relationship.

Here are some useful links to websites, videos, games and ideas to help your child continue to learn their times tables at home. 

Information for parents and children:

Have a look at http://www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html it has some good information for parents.

Help with times tables on the Oxford Owl websites has some useful ‘top tips’, videos and activities for learning times tables https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/maths-owl/help-with-times-tables

‘Times Tables In Schools’ by Kate Robinson this is a great booklet on the Oxford Owl website full of tips and information on how to help your child learn their times tables. https://assets.oxfordowl.co.uk/2014/05/13/10/30/08/349/PX_MathsContent_BK_TimesTablesInSchool_01_CH.pdf

Useful websites and games:

The five times table http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zw8qxfr#zspygdm

The ten times table http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zq3rk2p

Introduction to division http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z9jxhv4

‘Underwater times tables’ here you can select the times table to practice and so you can choose 2, 5 and 10 http://www.what2learn.com/home/examgames/maths/subtraction/ Choose to practise any times table from 2x to 12x (there is no mixed option). For each times table there are two levels. The first level presents the questions in order, e.g. 1 x 2, 2 x 2, 3 x 2, which makes it a great game for when you are just starting to learn a new multiplication table. There is no timer. Questions go up to 12 x the chosen number. What2Learn.

https://www.echalk.co.uk/Maths/tables/cloudTables.html ‘Cloud Game’ This game from eChalk lets you choose which times table to practise up to 12x or you can choose a mixture. The question appears at the top and you have to click the cloud with the correct answer on it. You will gain points depending on your speed and accuracy and will be rewarded with a fireworks display.

http://www.ictgames.com/spitfireufo.html  ‘Spitfire game’ You can test your knowledge of 2x to 9x tables in this game from ICT Games. Use your arrow keys to steer the spitfire towards the answer, then press your space key to fire.

The above three examples of games can all be found here http://www.maths-games.org/times-tables-games.html have a look through with your child and they can choose the ones they like with your help and supervision to get them started.

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/times-tables There are three games on this link ‘Hit the Button’, ‘Learn Your Tables’ and ‘Cross the Swamp’ where you can select the times table to practice. ‘Cross the Swamp’ is harder and will need your help to begin with as it includes division it is a great game to develop your child’s multiplication reasoning skills. 

When playing the games you could get the whole family involved as you could play against one another and see who can get the best time!

There are many apps on tablets you may wish to search for them and try them out yourself finding the ones your children like the best.  I am busy looking for some and will update you when I do!

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Penny Kemp

(Please note that Inskip St Peter’s Primary school does not have control over external content of these websites)