Middle School

Help Your Child Master Their Times Tables! 

Article by Tess Spalliera, Head of Learning Middle School 

Developing strong multiplication fact fluency is an important part of your child’s mathematical learning. Being able to recall multiplication facts (times tables) accurately and efficiently provides an important foundation for more complex mathematics, including division, fractions, percentages, proportional reasoning and algebra. 

When students can recall multiplication facts automatically, they use less of their working memory on basic calculations. This frees up their attention to focus on more complex mathematical thinking, problem-solving and applying new concepts. 

This approach is supported by the work of Dr Brian Poncy, a leading researcher in mathematics fact fluency and creator of Facts on Fire. Dr Poncy’s work emphasises the importance of students developing both accuracy and fluency with basic mathematics facts through short, regular and purposeful practice. Importantly, this practice sits alongside explicit teaching that develops students’ conceptual understanding of multiplication. 

At school, we explicitly teach students the mathematical concepts and strategies they need to understand multiplication. Once students have developed this understanding, regular practice helps strengthen recall and build automaticity. 

We encourage families to support this learning through short, regular practice at home. Even a few minutes of focused practice each day can make a difference. 

Some simple strategies you might try: 

1. Multiplication Charts 

Keep a multiplication chart somewhere visible and regularly practise different number facts. As your child becomes more confident, encourage them to recall the answer before checking the chart. 

2. Flashcards 

Use multiplication flashcards to practise recalling times tables. Mix up the facts rather than always practising them in order. Focus on accuracy first and gradually build fluency. 

3. Quick Recall Practice 

Ask multiplication questions during everyday routines, such as in the car, while preparing dinner or on the way to school. Keep these sessions short and positive. 

4. Celebrate Progress 

Focus on improvement. Celebrate increased accuracy, confidence and fluency as your child develops more automatic recall. 

The most important thing is little and often. Short periods of regular, purposeful practice are more valuable than occasional lengthy sessions. By working together, we can help students develop the strong foundational knowledge they need to confidently access increasingly complex mathematics.