Learning times tables is an important part of a child’s mathematics development. Strong multiplication skills help students solve division, fractions, percentages, measurement and more complex calculations with greater confidence.
However, memorising times tables can feel overwhelming for some children. The best approach is to practise regularly, introduce one set at a time and make learning enjoyable.
1. Begin With the Easier Times Tables
Start with the ×2, ×5 and ×10 times tables. These follow clear patterns and are usually easier for children to understand.
For example:
- The ×2 facts are the same as doubling.
- Answers in the ×5 table end in either 0 or 5.
- Answers in the ×10 table always end in 0.
Once your child feels confident with these facts, gradually introduce the ×3, ×4 and other times tables.
2. Practise Skip Counting
Skip counting helps children understand that multiplication involves equal groups.
Encourage your child to count aloud:
- By 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
- By 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15
- By 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
- By 10s: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
Children can practise while walking, travelling in the car or completing everyday activities.
3. Use Visual Objects
Before children memorise multiplication facts, they should understand what multiplication means. Use counters, buttons, blocks, pencils or other household objects to create equal groups.
For example, to demonstrate 4 × 3, make four groups with three objects in each group. Ask your child to count the total number of objects.
This helps them understand that:
4 × 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
4. Focus on One Times Table at a Time
Trying to learn every times table at once can be confusing. Choose one table and practise it until your child can answer most facts confidently.
A simple weekly plan could be:
- Monday: Practise skip counting.
- Tuesday: Read and repeat the multiplication facts.
- Wednesday: Use flashcards.
- Thursday: Complete written questions.
- Friday: Try a short quiz or game.
Continue revising previously learned tables so they are not forgotten.
5. Keep Practice Short and Regular
Five to ten minutes of daily practice is usually more effective than one long session each week. Short sessions help children stay focused and make it easier to build a regular routine.
Try to practise at approximately the same time each day, such as after dinner or before reading time.
6. Use Flashcards
Write a multiplication question on one side of a card and the answer on the other side. Show each question to your child and ask them to answer before checking the back.
Separate the cards into three groups:
- Facts your child knows confidently
- Facts that require more thinking
- Facts your child does not yet know
Spend more time practising the second and third groups.
7. Teach Helpful Multiplication Strategies
Children do not need to memorise every multiplication fact immediately. They can use known facts to work out unfamiliar ones.
For example:
- If 5 × 6 = 30, then 6 × 6 is one more group of 6: 30 + 6 = 36.
- If 10 × 7 = 70, then 9 × 7 is one group of 7 less: 70 − 7 = 63.
- If 2 × 8 = 16, then 4 × 8 is double 16: 32.
These strategies develop mathematical understanding instead of relying only on memorisation.
8. Mix the Questions
Children may be able to recite a times table in order but struggle when questions are presented randomly. Once your child can say a times table confidently, mix the questions.
Instead of always asking 3 × 1, 3 × 2 and 3 × 3 in order, try:
- 3 × 7
- 3 × 4
- 3 × 9
- 3 × 2
This checks whether your child remembers each fact independently.
9. Make Practice Enjoyable
Times-table practice does not always need to involve worksheets. You can use:
- Card games
- Dice games
- Online multiplication games
- Timed challenges
- Times-table songs
- Bingo
- Matching activities
Celebrate improvement rather than expecting perfection. A sticker chart or small reward can help younger children remain motivated.
10. Be Patient and Positive
Every child learns at a different pace. Avoid comparing your child with siblings, classmates or friends. If they make a mistake, help them use a strategy to find the correct answer.
Praise their effort by saying:
- “You worked that out carefully.”
- “You remembered the strategy.”
- “You are getting faster with practice.”
- “Let’s try that question together.”
Positive encouragement helps children feel safe, capable and willing to continue learning.
When Might Your Child Need Additional Support?
Your child may benefit from tutoring if they:
- Frequently rely on counting with their fingers
- Have difficulty remembering previously practised facts
- Feel anxious or frustrated during multiplication activities
- Struggle with division because their multiplication facts are not secure
- Need more individual explanations and guided practice
At SNH Tutoring, we help students understand multiplication through skip counting, equal groups, patterns, visual activities and regular practice. Once students understand the concept, we support them in developing faster and more accurate recall.
Looking for English, Mathematics or Science tutoring in Cranbourne? Contact SNH Tutoring to discuss how we can support your child’s learning and confidence.