TIMESTABLES
What do I feel is the most important skill to learn, in gaining confidence in maths?
The simple answer is Times tables: Let me explain…
Obviously, there is a multitude of factors, from knowledge to emotional state, however, I cannot overstate the importance of this fact. To put it simply, if your child does not know their timestables or an efficient and timely way to calculate times tables, they cannot access the higher level topics within the curriculum and it will be a constant barrier. In both the school and tutoring setting, it is a common skill, that once rectified, shows a massive boost in a child’s confidence and understanding of topics.
What topics need your timetables?
Division, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Area, Ratio, Inverse operations, Bidmas/ Bodmas, Mean Average, Multiples, Factors, Prime Factors, Prime Numbers, Square numbers….
I think you get the point, if times tables are fluid then the initial barrier is broken down.
But what can I do to help my children?
There are many different tactics to use to help with times tables retention…
- Timestables with pictures: Follow the link to a powerpoint that might help the children remember the more difficult timetables. This had worked wonders for some of my more visual learners.
- Eg: 6 x 8 = Warty Plate (48), 6 x 7 = Shorty Shoe (42), 8 x 8 = (He ate and he ate till he was sick on the floor!) 64. My favourite is one my year 3 class came up with, 7 x 7 = Porcupine (49) (They still say it in year 6!)
- Hand Tricks: I have made 2 videos which help with the timestables:
-9 x tables =
-Tricky 6,7,8 x tables =
4) Now to Embed the facts
When your child is able to get to all their timetables, using whatever method, it time to nail home really hit home that advantage and make them stick. I’ve created a document ‘Learnyourtimestablesin30days‘ to complement the process. I would suggest initially doing a grid most days to really embed the facts (should only take 5-10 minutes) and then it becomes a habit. The grids start off in order to increase fluency and then move to mixed to test further.
In the past I have Introduce timing these to see improvement, but only when your child starts to feel comfortable with filling in the grid.
It really is a case of little and often. But the effort is priceless.
Sam Stirling
Stirling Tuition