Helping Your Child Learn Their Times Tables: A Simple 3-Phase Approach

Many children can sing their times tables — but when it comes to answering questions quickly in class or during SEA exams, they sometimes struggle with recall.

The good news is that times tables can become much easier with the right approach and consistent practice.

Phase 1: Learn the Tables One by One

Children should learn the tables one at a time, starting with the easier ones first. We usually recommend beginning with:

• 1 times tables

• 2 times tables

• 5 times tables

• 10 times tables

• 11 times tables

Once those are mastered, children can move on to the more difficult tables.

To make learning easier and more enjoyable, parents can use:

• Charts

• Flashcards

• Songs and sing-alongs

🎵 Our Skill Builders Kids Times Tables Playlist is available on YouTube and AudioMack and is designed to help children learn through music and repetition.

It is also important for children to understand that some multiplication facts overlap. For example:

• 4 × 5 = 20

• 5 × 4 = 20

This helps children realise that learning one fact can also help them learn another.

Phase 2: Build Recall Speed

After children become familiar with the tables, the next step is building recall speed.

Instead of always practising in order, let them answer mixed questions such as:

• 6 × 7

• 3 × 8

• 12 × 4

This helps children develop faster thinking and stronger recall skills under pressure.

📘 Section 1 of our Times Tables Champion workbook focuses on recall drills designed to help children answer multiplication questions more quickly and confidently.

Phase 3: Mixed Drills and Division Practice

Once multiplication recall improves, children should move on to mixed multiplication drills and division practice.

This helps them:

• Strengthen fact recall

• Understand number relationships

• Improve overall Maths confidence

Learning multiplication and division together also helps children understand fact families and apply their knowledge more effectively during problem-solving activities.

Support Your Child’s Learning at Home

If your child needs help learning their times tables, be sure to check out our playlist of Times Tables songs on YouTube and AudioMack. 🎵

You can also visit our learning store to grab a copy of our Times Tables Champion workbook — designed to help children improve multiplication speed, recall, and confidence through drills and mixed practice. 📘✨

With consistency, encouragement, and the right resources, children can build strong times tables skills and greater confidence in Maths.