5 Tips To Help Children Learn Their Times Tables

Let your child take charge of their learning

Access print-friendly, downloadable Maths and English resources for easy learning.
Our aim is to help children succeed at school. Supporting children in Maths and English can be made easier if you have the right resources.

Choose from our many plans or try us for free with Teach Weekly.

View Our Plans

These quick tips can be used at anytime, by anyone - in the car, on the way home from school, whilst cooking....


Before you start - which times tables and when?



As a guide:


Children in F2 - counting in 2's, 5's and 10's


Children in Yr1 and Yr2 (5-7 yrs old) - 2, 5 and 10 times tables


Children in Yr3 (7-8 yrs old) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,10 times tables


Children in Yr 4 (8-9 yrs old) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 times tables



Tip 1


Chant the multiples of the times tables your child is learning e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20.


Take it in turns to say the multiples e.g you say 2, child says 4, you say 6, child says 8 etc. Say it again, but this time the child starts.


See if you can say it faster or in different way e.g whisper, squeak, shout, robotic, slow motion.


Tip 2


Create a rhythmic pattern whilst saying the multiples.


e.g.pat your thighs, clap your hands, then say 2
pat your thighs, clap your hands, then say 4
continue in this rhythmic way, all the way to 20

See if you can say it faster or in different way e.g whisper, squeak, shout, robotic, slow motion.


Tip 3


Use the same rhythmic pattern as above, but this times chants the whole times tables.


e.g.whilst you pat your thighs, then clap your hands, then click your fingers say 'one twos are two'
whilst you pat your thighs, then clap your hands, then click your fingers say 'two twos are four'
continue in this rhythmic way, all the way to 'ten twos are twenty'

It may take some practice!


Take a look at our Times Tables Tests which you can purchase from our TMKed shop.


Tip 4


Fizz Buzz - Can be played with 2 or more people.


Choose a times table e.g 3x. Take it in turns to say the numbers with 1. The next person says '2', the next person says 'fizz' because 3 is in the 3 times tables, the next person says '4', the next person says '5', the next person says 'fizz' because 6 is in the 3 times tables and so on.


This game can be extended to 'Fizz Buzz', by choosing two different times tables, e.g. 3 and 5 times tables.
Again take turns to say the numbers in order, but if you have to say:


- a number in the 3 times tables, you say 'fizz'
- a number in the 5 times table, you say 'buzz'
- a number in the 3 and 5 times table, you say 'fizz buzz'


Tip 5


Try and teach divide in conjunction with multiplication.


Encourage your child to write out the times table they are learning in full. Get them to write out the times and then the divides.


e.g.1 x 2 = 22 ÷ 2 =1
2 x 2 = 4 4 ÷ 2 = 2
3 x 2 = 66 ÷ 2 = 3

Do you know any games or ideas that have worked well for you or your children?


Subscribe to Teach My Kids to gain access to multiplication and division worksheets.



You might also like to read:


Free Worksheet - Multiplication Word Problems x2, x5, x10


Free Worksheet - Times Tables Square, Activities for Learning Times Tables


Teach KS2 Children Division - What is the chunking method?

Don't take our word for it...

"Amazing site just renewed my subscription for the second year. This site is well structured and has helped to assure me that the work we do at home co-ordinates and strengthens the work done at school."

Reena Chohan

"Teach My Kids is a fantastic resource. We use the work sheets to reinforce the Maths and English that our children, James 9 and Katie 8, are learning at school. They are ideal for when we have a spare 10 – 15 minutes, and also give us as parents the opportunity to see how much our kids know!

As and when the work sheets are completed, I log in and tick them as completed, so it’s clear which topics have been covered. I try to do 2 - 4 of worksheets a week and feel that they are of great benefit to both our children.

I would definitely recommend ‘Teach My Kids’, it’s fantastic value for money and if you have any questions or queries these are answered promptly."

Emma Robinson

"I have found the ‘Teach my Kids’ website to be very helpful and informative. The worksheets met my children’s individual needs at a time when I was struggling with ways in which to support them. They were very easy to follow have made a real impact on their confidence in Maths and English.

The website is clear and well thought out and easy for anyone to follow. Any queries are responded to promptly. A great website for parents!"

B. Gidda

"Teach My Kids has all the ingredients of the National Curriculum and above all good lesson planning. Such an excellent tool for parents and children. The worksheets are attractive and easy to read and follow. Excellent lively illustrations. I am impressed by the rewards systems and learning path progress. The learning paths are well constructed and brilliant because all the children in the family can use it. Very useful advice to parents.

I would encouraged parents towards this user friendly and excellent web site."

M. Welton

"Teach my kids is a very valuable website! Great worksheets available that help me and my child on her sometimes confusing learning path. Fabulous helpful and friendly owners, would highly recommend!"

Emma Jones

"I have been with Teach My Kids for a few months and can see an improvement in my daughter. The rewards have helped her stay focused."

M.Miles