Should children memorise every times table

Quick answer

Children should learn their times tables well, but not just by rote memorisation. They need to understand what multiplication means, use flexible strategies, and develop automaticity through practice and reasoning.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to learn times tables in a way that helps you solve problems quickly and confidently, using both memorisation and smart thinking.

• You can explain what multiplication means using groups and arrays.
• You can use strategies like doubling, skip counting, and patterns to work out times tables.
• You can show that you know your times tables by solving problems quickly and accurately.
• You can help a friend learn times tables using fun and helpful methods.

Why this matters

Multiplication is used every day, from sharing cookies with friends to planning how long it takes to walk to school. Knowing your times tables helps you do these things quickly and easily. But memorising every single fact isn’t the only way to be good at multiplication. Using smart strategies and understanding what multiplication means makes you more flexible and confident in maths.

How it works

Learning times tables is like learning to ride a bike. You don’t just memorise the steps – you practice them and understand why they work. Here’s how to do it:

1. Understand what multiplication means – It's like having equal groups of things. For example, 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4 items.
2. Use patterns and tricks – For example, 5 × 6 is the same as 5 × 5 + 5.
3. Practice with games and real life – Use objects, drawings, or real situations to help learn.
4. Build automaticity – This means knowing some facts quickly without thinking, but not forgetting how to solve problems.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at the 4 times table using different methods:

Method 1: Equal Groups
Imagine you have 4 boxes, and each box has 3 apples. How many apples are there in total? That’s 4 × 3 = 12 apples. This is how multiplication works – equal groups!

Method 2: Skip Counting
Count by 4s: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48. This helps you remember the 4 times table.

Method 3: Doubling
To find 4 × 6, you can think of it as 2 × 6 = 12, then double it to get 24. This is a helpful trick!

Method 4: Using Patterns
Notice how the answers to 4 × 1 to 4 × 5 go: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20. Each number is 4 more than the last. This pattern helps you find 4 × 6 = 24.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Bakery
You are a young baker in a magical bakery. Every day, you must bake 4 cupcakes for each of 6 customers. How many cupcakes do you bake? You can solve this by thinking:

1. 4 × 6 = 24 cupcakes
2. Or by skip counting: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24
3. Or by doubling: 4 × 6 is the same as 2 × 6 = 12, then double it to 24

Now, you must also pack 3 bags for each of 8 customers. How many bags do you need? Try solving this with one of the methods you’ve learned!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 6 × 7 = 42, but confusing it with 6 × 8 = 48.
  Why it happens: When learning many facts, it’s easy to mix up similar numbers.
  Fix: Use the doubling trick or write down the facts you know and check your work.
• Mistake: Relying only on memorising without understanding.
  Why it happens: Some children think that just knowing the answer is enough.
  Fix: Always connect facts to groups or arrays to understand what they mean.
• Mistake: Forgetting that 0 × any number = 0.
  Why it happens: It’s hard to imagine “no groups” of something.
  Fix: Think of it as 0 groups of 5 = 0 items. Always try a simple example like this.
• Mistake: Trying to memorise everything at once.
  Why it happens: It feels overwhelming to learn 12 tables at once.
  Fix: Learn one table at a time and review often. Use games or songs to help.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, here’s how to help your child learn times tables:

• Ask questions like, “How many legs do 3 spiders have?” or “If you have 5 boxes with 4 toys in each, how many toys are there?”
• Use real-life examples like cooking, shopping, or counting in groups to make it fun and meaningful.
• Play games like times table races or card games to practice without pressure.
• Encourage smart strategies – not just memorisation. For example, if they know 5 × 5 = 25, help them work out 5 × 6 = 25 + 5 = 30.
• Don’t compare – learning takes time. Celebrate small wins and progress, not just perfect scores.

Practice questions

1. What is 7 × 8?
2. Use skip counting to find 9 × 4.
3. Explain how 6 × 5 is the same as 5 × 5 + 5.
4. How many wheels are there on 6 cars?
5. Use doubling to find 8 × 4.

Answers:

1. 56
2. 36 (9, 18, 27, 36)
3. Because 6 × 5 means 6 groups of 5, which is 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 30, and 5 × 5 = 25, so 25 + 5 = 30.
4. 24 wheels
5. 32 (8 × 4 = 2 × 4 = 8, then double it to 16, then double again to 32)

FAQ

Should children memorise all times tables?
Yes, but not just by rote. They should understand the meaning of multiplication and be able to use strategies to solve problems quickly.

How can I help my child learn times tables?
Use real-life examples, play games, encourage strategies like skip counting and doubling, and practice regularly without pressure.

What’s the best way to learn times tables?
Combining understanding with practice is best. Learn what multiplication means, then use games, songs, and regular practice to build automaticity.

Are times tables still important?
Yes! They help with division, fractions, and more advanced maths. They also make everyday life easier and faster.

Can I use apps or online games?
Yes, if they are fun and help with understanding, not just memorising. Look for games that use arrays, groups, or real-life problems.