The ability to multiply is key to laying the foundations of numeracy skills that is used from childhood into adulthood.
All children learn differently and some may not respond to the traditional way of memorising the times tables.
Times tables games, printable time tables worksheets and times tables charts are just some of the ways to make learning the multiplication easier for the individual child.
The following list of times tables games and activities have been designed to cater to children who are visual learners as well as kids who find learning easier when there is a fun element in the activity.
Times tables games
Times tables blast. Kids can have fun practicing the times tables and then test their ability by playing a game and gaining points. There are up to 20 difficulty levels and you can practise from 1 to 12 times tables.
Connect 5. This is based on the concept of connect 4. In order to play the game, children must win a number by coming up with the correct times table number pairing or calculation with that answer. To win, 5 numbers must be connected. This is a free printable game that comes with instructions
Topmarks. A series of colourful times tables games suitable for kids that have just been introduced to multiplication for the first time. Numerous games to help solidify their knowledge of how multiplication works
Mulitplication.com. Think of video games but with multiplication as the theme. Kids have fun and practise their multiplication tables too.
Times Tables Rally. Fun racing game where you answer times table question to accelerate your car. The game has various levels and it is ideal for time table drilling.
Splashlearn. The times tables games here explain the multiplication concept from different perspectives. You can play games explaining times tables using the number line, pictures, multiplication as it relates to addition.
Maths chase. Fun and engaging game where you are chased by a monster and to run, you answer times tables question. Get the answer right, you advance. Get the answer wrong and you take a step back
Education.com has a library of online games that helps practise the times tables as well as worksheet for different ages and grades.
Here is a list of printable times tables worksheet that kids can practise on to reinforce their knowledge. You can find worksheet for 1- 12 times tables and 11- 20 times tables for the older kids.
These multiplication tables spinners will help your kids learn and master the times table in a fun way.
Multiplication tables are one of those rites of passage we all had to go through at school.
We had to learn them at school and also practice them at home.
I remember the times tables were boldy printed on the back of exercise books so there really couldn’t be any excuse for not practicing. I tell you they were not fun.
Times tables spinners however, are a great way of making learning and practicing the times table fun for kids. Making the multiplication table fun is a sure fire way to make kids master the times table.
Fun Ways to Teach Times Tables
Start with simplest to the hardest. Start with the easy numbers like the 1 times tables and 10 times tables. They are straightforward and will build the child’s confidence and reassure them they can take on the much difficult tables ahead .
Show them tricks or patterns that can aid the fast learning of the tables. For example, the 2 times tables is basically adding any number twice so 2 X 6 is the same as 6 + 6.
Introduce problem solving scenarios that will require involve multiplication.
Add significance to certain number to create memory hooks. eg The twins are both 5 years old and their combined age is 5 X 2 =10.
Point out the obvious (but not necessarily to them) eg 2 X 9 is the same as 9 X 2.
As your child improves, drill them a few times a day and make it fun.
Don’t forget that pat on the back. When they do well, give them a well deserved praise. If they don’t do well, encourage them. Don’t throw negativity their way through criticism.
