Learning Times Tables
Learning times tables begins in KS1 at Primary School.
Children are taught x2, x5, x10 times tables first.
They then move on to learning the x3, x4, x6, x8.
By the time a child is 9 years old, they should know all their multiplication tables to x 12.
This can be done in many ways, such as:
- adding / subtracting in 2's, 5's or 10's
- starting at the number 2, counting on in 2's etc
- counting back in 2's from a given number
- sharing cubes/sweets/coins between 2 people
- reciting the times tables
- writing out the times tables
- completing activities designed to help children recall the multiplication / division facts
- reciting the multiples of a times table
View Teach My Kids Multiplication Packs
Using Times Tables To Solve Word Problems
Knowing the times tables by heart will help children solve word problems quickly. They will be able to quickly count the relevant times table mentally in their head or using fingers.
When solving word problems, there is more than one process involved. It requires the use of more than one skill.
Children are required:
- read the problem
- identify the correct operation to use (multiply/divide)
- identify the numbers to use
- use the correct times table to find the answer
- check the answer is correct
By ensuring children know their multiplication tables by heart, means that it is one less thing for them to worry about.
How To Solve Multiplication Word Problems
Many children will quickly read a multiplication word problems and write the answer down. This may work for simple word problems, but as the difficulty level increases, this may not always be the best practice.
It is a good idea to get children to use a set procedure when tackling any word problem.
- Read the problem
- Underline the key numbers and words (multiply, find the product of, how many more etc)
- Write a number sentence to show your working out, e.g. 5 x 2 = 10
- Write the answer as just a number or a short sentence e.g. 10 children brought their book to school
Free Multiplication Word Problems Worksheet
Multiplication word problems can be solved using a number line or repeated addition.
Click on the link below to download a free Teach My Kids math worksheet. Solve the times tables word problems.
In this worksheet, children are given an example of how to solve a word problem using a number line and repeated addition. If they know their times tables, they will not need to draw a number line.
Children then write a number sentence for each problem.
Teach My Kids produces targeted worksheets for your child's year group at school.
No more hunting around, looking for the right worksheet, at the right level, for your child - saving you time.
View our Maths and English Worksheets.
Want more Maths and English Worksheets?
Join Teach My Kids today to improve your child's Maths and English Skills.
You Might Also Like To Read:
Times Tables Square (multiplication) - Activities For Learning Times Tables
Money Problems - Using Coins - Shopping Games Using Money
Partitioning Numbers Worksheet (Hundreds, Tens and Units)
Teach KS2 Children Division - What Is The ‘Chunking’ Method?
How To Get Children To Learn, Without Lifting A Finger!
Place Value Cards for making numbers and partitioning
Motivate Your Child - Kids Reward Charts - Boys/Girls
