My kid doesn’t know their times tables! What do I do?

If your child is struggling with learning their times tables, there are several strategies you can use to help them improve their understanding and fluency in multiplication. Here are some steps you can consider:

• Use Visual Aids: Visual aids like multiplication charts and number lines can help make the concept of multiplication more concrete and easier to understand.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to mastering times tables. Set aside a specific time each day for practice, and make it a routine. For instance, the car journey to school or on the way home.
• Start with the Basics: Begin with the easier times tables, such as the 2s, 5s, and 10s, before moving on to the more challenging ones.
• Use Mnemonics: Mnemonics or memory aids can help your child remember certain multiplication facts. For example, for the 9s times tables, you can use a finger trick: hold down the finger representing the number you’re multiplying by 9, and the number of fingers before the held-down finger gives you the tens digit, while the number of fingers after the held-down finger gives you the ones digit. See this 3 min YouTube Video for the trick
• Break It Down: Break down the larger tables into smaller, more manageable sections. For instance, if your child is struggling with the 7s times tables, focus on learning 7×1, 7×2, 7×3, and so on before trying to memorize the entire table.
• Use Songs and Rhymes: There are many catchy multiplication songs and rhymes available that can help your child memorize the times tables in a fun and engaging way. Loads of songs on YouTube for inspiration.
• Hands-on Activities: Engage your child in hands-on activities that involve grouping objects to represent multiplication. This can help them understand the concept in a tangible way. I use cutlery, chopsticks, Pokémon cards and sandcastles with my son to do this.
• Online Resources: There are numerous online resources, apps, and games designed to help children learn their times tables in an interactive and enjoyable manner.
• Real-world Applications: Show your child how multiplication is used in everyday life. For instance, you can use multiplication when cooking, shopping, organizing a party or measuring.
• Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Learning multiplication takes time, so be patient and provide plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement.
• Use Peer Learning: Sometimes, children can learn from their peers. If your child has friends who are confident with their times tables, arranging study sessions or friendly competitions can be motivating.
• Personalize Learning: Identify your child’s learning style and preferences. Some children might learn better through visual aids, while others might prefer verbal explanations.

Remember that every child learns at their own pace. It’s important to create a supportive and stress-free environment for learning. If you notice persistent struggles or signs of math anxiety, consider reaching out to their teacher or a math tutor for additional support.

Can you give some further suggestions on how to help kids with their times tables? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.