Just something that must be done

Learning times tables
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, would you be able to teach my child times tables? Times tables are so important. One of my favourite students from last year flourished in this to say the least. The idea of times tables used to make her cry for hours - well it felt that long. But by the middle of the second term, she somehow got it. I do thank her amazing grandparents for assistance in this. Every morning, I gave my Grade 3's a Speed Times table test. I gave them all 144 sums and 10 minutes to complete. The record time was set by my star student. She completed all 144 sums in 6 minutes. This is the top time and she also (and always did from then on) get 100% for the Times tables test. Today's post is about my top tips for learning times tables:





1. FIND OUT FIRST
Teaching all times tables from 1 - 12 can be a process. Speak to your little one's teacher and ask if times tables will be introduced. Ask when this will happen. Rather start practicing sooner than later. Find out exactly which times tables will be the key focus. I say learn all from 1 - 12 but if this seems too much, rather find out the important ones that must be focused on. For Grade 2 level, I recommend only learning x1 - x6 and x10

2. MAKE FLASHCARDS
Flashcards are fun and are an important tool to use when learning times tables. Making flashcards is useful for left-brained learners

3. DO RESEARCH
For students who are right-brained, I encourage parents to do research on how to teach times tables. I am always doing this and find it very interesting. Make learning visual and colourful. Videos on Youtube are great. The Times table videos are super cheesy for us adults but kids will be happily singing along and learning at the same time

4. EXPLAIN WELL
Times tables are basically the shorthand of an additional sum. Have your little one see the sum as an addition to see why it important to use times tables. Think about 5 x 3, this is just 5 + 5  + 5.

5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Times tables is a process. It will take time to master. Don't put pressure on your child. It will take time overnight. Don't leave it to your little one's teacher to teach Times tables. You as the parent need to do this. Make a poster, make your flashcards or use the visual and colourful learning.

6. ONCE MASTERED, TEST
A simple speed test is a great way to test your child. Keep the first time to 10 minutes and then slowly work down.

Keep practicing the times tables. It is so important for future learning in Maths. It helps assist with understanding Division and Long Mulitiplication. Keep practicing, it will pay off

Happy learning! :)