Mrs J's Learning Made Fun
  • Teacher Resources
  • Math Worksheets
    • Math Mysteries & Worksheets >
      • GRADE 1 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 2 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 3 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 4 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 5 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 6 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 7 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 8 Math Worksheets
    • Mini Math Mysteries
    • Math Projects
    • Math Quests
    • CSI Digital Mystery & Quest Games
  • Seasonal Activities
    • Valentine’s Day Math Activities
    • Spring Worksheets
    • Earth Day Worksheets
    • St Patrick's Day Worksheets
    • Winter Worksheets
    • End of Year Worksheets
    • Back to School Worksheets
    • Easter Math Activities
    • Halloween Math Activities
    • Celebrations Around the World
    • Groundhog Day Worksheets
    • Summer Worksheets
    • Fall Worksheets
    • 100th Day of School Worksheets
    • Christmas Math Activities
    • Thanksgiving Math Activities
    • New Year Math Mystery Activity
  • English Worksheets
    • Reading & Literacy Mysteries
    • English Narrative Writing Prompts
    • English Mystery Worksheets >
      • Kindergarten English Mystery Worksheets
      • 1st Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 2nd Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 3rd Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 4th Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 5th Grade English Mystery Worksheets
  • Free Resources
  • Video Library
    • Math Mystery Video Hooks
    • Junior Reading Mysteries
    • Private Eye CSI Literacy Mystery Video Hooks
    • Reading Mystery Video Hooks
    • Math Quest Video Hooks
    • A-Z Letter Detectives Video Hook
    • History Mystery Video Hooks
    • Math Minute Missions
    • Background Music
  • About Us

 

SHOP NOW
Find me on TPT

TIps and Tricks for Teaching Times Tables To Kids

9/24/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​This article focuses on some tips and tricks to help your little one master the skill of time tables. 
First, congratulations! By even reading this article, you are showing interest in your child and their learning. A child will always succeed when a supportive adult is there to guide, help, and nurture their learning. By showing an interest in these tips, you are helping your child, more than you think. As a teacher myself, I would use several different ways to engage and encourage my learners to flourish in the classroom. Follow these teaching tips and tricks to help your child study their times tables.

Tip #1 – Use the correct lingo
This may be obvious, but different people will use different words when working out multiplication. For example, one teacher may say ‘What is 4 times 2?’ whereas another adult may say ‘What is 4 multiplied by 2?’. Would the child understand that ‘times’ is the same as ‘multiplied’? Make sure you are using the same vocabulary that their main teacher is using to help avoid confusion.  Also, introduce your child to the mathematical symbols used when working out equations and the terms given to them. Explain that x means multiplied by and = means equals. Again, make sure the correct terminology is used at home, as that that is used in the classroom to prevent confusion.

Tip #2 – Master the basics first
There is no point starting with 7- or 8-times tables, before the child understands the 2 times tables. Work with the smaller numbers, allowing the child to understand that to multiply means doubling the numbers. Once they understand the idea of this concept, move onto 3 then 4 and so forth.

Tip #3 – Start with a practical 
When starting off, it helps the child to visualize what multiplication of things looks like. In relation to teaching strategies, this is an excellent tip for Visual and Kinaesthetic learners.  To do this, take objects from around the home to help the child understand what you are trying to explain. Taking pasta shapes, make two piles of three pasta shapes. When you ask the child how many pasta shapes there are in total, the child will add the shapes. By introducing multiplication, you can explain a fast way to work this out. Explaining there are two piles, each with three pasta shapes, is equal to 2 multiplied by 3 is equal to six in total. Then add another pasta shape to each pile. Ask the child to find out the new total. Again, add another piece of pasta and ask what the new total is. By indicating that you are adding two to the total number of shapes, the child should be able to understand the concept of sequential adding and therefore, multiplication.

Tip #4 – Teach them some hints 
Now that your child knows the basic theory behind multiplication, teach them some tricks to help with other times tables. They now know that 2 x 3 = 6, but do they know that 3 x 2 = 6 aswell. Indicating the change of order in the numbers will result in the same answer enables the child to exceed with their learning, helping them to advance onto the next number set.

Tip # 5 – Use a Multiplication chart
This is another excellent teaching strategy used to help the child visualize their learning. These charts can be bought online or created at home. With a grid used as the base, the numbers one to twelve are displayed along the vertical andhorizontal axis. The child must make their way along the grid, working out, and solving each answer. This will allow them to see each time table on display in their home or at school, helping them to become more familiar with each set of multiplication facts from 1 to 12.

Tip #6 - Rote learning 
There is some debating about using this teaching strategy due to the lack of understanding. I, myself, was taught my timetables through rote learning as a rhythmic chant with the rest of my peers, over and over again until it was drilled into my head. Did that help me learn my timetables? Yes, absolutely. Did I understand the concept of multiplication? Probably not. As a visual learner, I didn’t know what the teacher meant by all these numbers. It wasn’t until I saw buttons on my desk in several piles, did I understand the idea behind the rhythmic chant. This is the downfall with rote learning. However, auditory learners may benefit from this type of learning style the most.  While it is important to practice the times tables with your child, use rote learning at your own peril. Make sure the child understands the basics and logic behind it, before reiterating them repeatedly. I'll post some fun video song suggestions next week to supplement your times tables teaching. 

Tip #7 – Make learning fun 
There are lots of songs and dances online, encouraging children to learn through song and dance. If this is a learning style that your child prefers, have a go, and see if it helps. If not, dancing and singing is always a fun way to spend time with your child.

Tip #8 - Finally, remember that you are teaching a child. Not an adult as intelligent as you, but a child who depends on you for basically everything. Some children may struggle, while some may get this instantaneous. Understand that this is a difficult concept for them, and so, praise their efforts. Children love encouragement and will thrive when they see that their hard work is being noticed by someone they look up to. In doing so, you are not just enabling their learning, but building a relationship and nurturing an environment where they can learn.

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help your child learn in a safe, loving, and fun environment. Good luck! 

Do you have any special tricks or tips for teaching times tables to add to this list? 
Thanks for reading this post. Be sure to grab the free multiplication worksheet activity below to give your kids some extra practice after learning the facts: 

Multiplication Worksheet Free PDF - Crack the Fun Fact

A$0.00

Students must solve mathquestions involving multiplication facts (between 1-12) to crack a fun fact!

Shop
You may also like this Multiplication Facts 1-12 Math Mystery Game! Download, print and solve! Optional video hook included to gain attention.

Multiplication Review Math Mystery: Case of the Monster Mix-up - 3rd Grade Edition

A$4.50

Multiplication ReviewMath Mystery: the Case of the Monster Mix-up. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.


Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.


Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop
Picture
CLICK HERE to find the FULL game on my TpT store. 


To continue to Clue 2, you will need to purchase the full game to get all of the links to access the five clues needed to solve the mystery. ​
OR try a Times Tables Math Mystery in a digital game format!
Internet connection is required. 
To test if it works on your device - Try a clue FREE HERE - CLICK TO PLAY Clue 1 from the Multiplication Facts Level   
The PASSWORD IS super104

Encountered technical errors? Try the following first:
- Clear your cache and browsing history
- Ensure Cookies are enabled
- Is your Internet connection steady?
If none of the above work, please contact me on [email protected]

Picture
0 Comments
First Last



Leave a Reply.

      Newsletter Sign Up

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Categories

    All
    100th Day Of School
    Addition
    Alphabet Activities & Ideas
    Anchor Charts
    Assessment
    Back To School
    Behavior Management
    Books
    Brain Breaks
    Character Development
    Christmas Activities And Resources
    Classroom Management
    Differentiation
    Digital Escape Room Game
    Distance Learning
    Division
    Early Finishers
    Early Learning
    Easter Activities
    EdTech Digital Learning
    EdTech - Digital Learning
    Educational Toys
    End Of Year
    For Parents
    Fractions
    Fun Lessons
    Fun Mystery Games And Activities
    GIVEAWAYS
    Google Classroom
    Growth Mindset
    Halloween
    History Mysteries
    Home Learning
    Icebreakers
    Inclusive Classrooms
    Keep Minds Active
    MATH
    Math Activities
    Math Centers
    Math Games
    Math Mysteries
    Math Posters
    Math Tricks
    Math Videos
    More Teacher Stuff
    Mystery Logic Puzzles
    Mystery Prompts
    Patterns
    Place Value
    Positive Classroom
    Posters
    Preschool Activities
    Puzzles
    Reading Activities
    Reading Mysteries
    Science Activities
    Social Emotional Learning
    St Patrick's Day Activities & Resources
    Student Motvation
    Teachers Tips & Hacks
    Teacher Wellbeing
    Teaching Ideas
    Teaching Strategies
    Technical Help
    TPT Products Free & Paid
    Writing Activities

    Picture
    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE MATH MYSTERY!

    Author

    A 21st century School Teacher, Mother, and Wife.

    Follow Mrs J!
    Picture
    CLICK HERE FOR MORE MATH MYSTERIES

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies

Contact

  • Email: [email protected]
  • TPT Store: Mrs J's Resource Creations

Resources

  • Math Mysteries Worksheets
  • Reading Mysteries Worksheets
  • Video Library
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping Policy

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Fun Worksheets
  • Free Resources
  • Blog
  • Mrs J's Resource Creations
  • Math Exercises
  • Free Math Worksheets
  • Reading Resources
  • Math Projects
  • Fun Worksheets
  • Free Printable Math Worksheets for 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade Math Worksheets Printable
  • Math Worksheets Grade 3
  • Printable 4th Grade Math Worksheets
  • 5th Grade Math Worksheets PDF
  • 6th Grade Math Worksheet
  • 7th Grade Math Worksheets PDF
  • Eighth Grade Math Worksheets
  • Christmas Maths Activities
  • Easter Math Activities
  • Halloween Math Activities
  • Learning Math Games
  • Teacher Resources
  • Math Worksheets
    • Math Mysteries & Worksheets >
      • GRADE 1 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 2 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 3 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 4 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 5 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 6 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 7 Math Worksheets
      • GRADE 8 Math Worksheets
    • Mini Math Mysteries
    • Math Projects
    • Math Quests
    • CSI Digital Mystery & Quest Games
  • Seasonal Activities
    • Valentine’s Day Math Activities
    • Spring Worksheets
    • Earth Day Worksheets
    • St Patrick's Day Worksheets
    • Winter Worksheets
    • End of Year Worksheets
    • Back to School Worksheets
    • Easter Math Activities
    • Halloween Math Activities
    • Celebrations Around the World
    • Groundhog Day Worksheets
    • Summer Worksheets
    • Fall Worksheets
    • 100th Day of School Worksheets
    • Christmas Math Activities
    • Thanksgiving Math Activities
    • New Year Math Mystery Activity
  • English Worksheets
    • Reading & Literacy Mysteries
    • English Narrative Writing Prompts
    • English Mystery Worksheets >
      • Kindergarten English Mystery Worksheets
      • 1st Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 2nd Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 3rd Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 4th Grade English Mystery Worksheets
      • 5th Grade English Mystery Worksheets
  • Free Resources
  • Video Library
    • Math Mystery Video Hooks
    • Junior Reading Mysteries
    • Private Eye CSI Literacy Mystery Video Hooks
    • Reading Mystery Video Hooks
    • Math Quest Video Hooks
    • A-Z Letter Detectives Video Hook
    • History Mystery Video Hooks
    • Math Minute Missions
    • Background Music
  • About Us