Notice the pattern first
Answers in the 5 times table end in 0 or 5. In the 10 times table, each answer is ten times the number you started with.
Times tables practice
Practise times tables with short questions, clear answers and a calm routine. Help children build multiplication recall one step at a time.
Level
Primary school, usually ages 7 to 11
Practice time
5 to 10 minutes per round
01
What you will practise
Use short rounds to build recall without rushing. Start with a familiar table, add one new pattern and finish with a mixed set.
Move from order to mixed recall
Saying a table in order is a useful start. Mixing the questions helps a child retrieve each fact instead of relying on the sequence.
Return to difficult facts calmly
Connect a difficult fact to one that is already known. For 7 × 8, for example, combine 5 × 8 and 2 × 8.
02
Try these questions
Work out an answer first. Then open the explanation to check your reasoning.
1.6 × 4Show answerHide
Answer: 24
Four groups of 6 make 24.
2.7 × 8Show answerHide
Answer: 56
You can add 5 × 8 and 2 × 8 to get 40 + 16.
3.9 × 6Show answerHide
Answer: 54
10 × 6 is 60. Take away one group of 6 to get 54.
4.8 × 3Show answerHide
Answer: 24
Three jumps of 8 give 8, 16 and 24.
03
A calm practice plan
Use this as a starting point and adjust the pace when your child needs more or less repetition.
- Step 1: Choose one table and answer five questions in order.
- Step 2: Try five questions from the same table in a mixed order.
- Step 3: Mix the new table with two tables that already feel familiar.
- Step 4: Stop after ten minutes and return for another short round tomorrow.
04
Frequently asked questions
How often should a child practise times tables?
Short, regular rounds are usually easier to sustain than one long session. Five to ten focused minutes on most days is a practical rhythm.
Which times tables should children learn first?
Many children begin with 1, 2, 5 and 10 because their patterns are easy to see. The other tables can follow as confidence grows.
What if one multiplication fact will not stick?
Return to equal groups, an array or jumps on a number line. Understanding the relationship makes quick recall easier to build later.
Ready for the next step?
Combine short practice sessions with adaptive lessons and human support when it helps.