Times table hopscotch
Use pavement chalk and movement to practise skip-counting and multiples.
Quick answer
Times table hopscotch is a fun way to learn multiplication by jumping on numbered squares drawn on the ground, helping children practice skip-counting and multiples in a physical, active way.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use a hopscotch grid to practice skip-counting and learn your times tables through movement and play. Success signs:- You can jump on the numbers in the right order for your times table
- You can say the multiples out loud while hopping
- You can play the game with a friend or by yourself
- You can connect your hopping to multiplication facts
Why this matters
Learning times tables is important because it helps you solve maths problems faster, makes you more confident in maths, and prepares you for more advanced maths like division and fractions. Times table hopscotch makes this learning fun and active, which helps you remember better. You can use this skill when sharing snacks, counting money, or even playing games with friends.How it works
Times table hopscotch uses a hopscotch grid drawn on the ground. Instead of just jumping on numbers in order, you jump on the multiples of a specific number. For example, if you're learning the 3 times table, you jump on 3, 6, 9, 12, and so on. You can also jump on the numbers in reverse order or do two hops on the same number to make it more challenging.Examples you can see
Let’s say you are learning the 4 times table. Here’s how you can play: 1. Draw a hopscotch grid with 10 squares numbered 1 to 10. 2. Circle or highlight the multiples of 4: 4, 8. 3. Jump on 4, then 8, then back to 4, then 8 again. 4. Say the multiples out loud: “Four, eight, four, eight.” You can also play with a larger grid for bigger numbers. For example, if you're learning 6 times table, you might draw a grid with numbers 1 to 20 and jump on 6, 12, 18.Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Multiplication Mission You are a brave explorer on a mission to find the secret treasure. The map shows that you must hop through the land of numbers to find the treasure chest. But there’s a catch — you can only step on the multiples of a specific number to get to the treasure. Your first challenge: Find the treasure by hopping on the multiples of 5. 1st time: Jump on 5 2nd time: Jump on 10 3rd time: Jump on 15 4th time: Jump on 20 You’ve found the treasure! Now try again with the multiples of 3. 1st time: Jump on 3 2nd time: Jump on 6 3rd time: Jump on 9 4th time: Jump on 12 You’ve completed the first level of the treasure hunt. You can even create your own treasure map with different numbers!Common mistakes
- Mistake: Jumping on numbers that are not multiples of the table you're learning.
Why it happens: Not paying attention to which number you are skipping by.
Fix: Count the numbers carefully and only jump on multiples. - Mistake: Forgetting to say the multiples out loud.
Why it happens: Thinking the jumping is enough without saying the numbers.
Fix: Say the multiples as you jump — it helps you remember them better. - Mistake: Jumping on the same square twice in a row.
Why it happens: Not paying attention to which square you're on.
Fix: Count the multiples and make sure you move to the next one each time.
Parent and carer guide
You can help your child by:- Setting up a hopscotch grid with chalk on the pavement or driveway
- Choosing a times table to practice together, like 2s, 5s, or 10s
- Playing the game with your child, taking turns jumping and counting
- Encouraging them to say the multiples out loud as they hop
- Practising for 5-10 minutes daily to build confidence
Practice questions
- What are the first 5 multiples of 3?
- Which numbers would you jump on for the 4 times table on a 10-square grid?
- What are the first 4 multiples of 7?
- If you're learning the 6 times table, which numbers would you jump on in a 20-square grid?
- Can you say the multiples of 8 out loud as you hop on them?
- 3, 6, 9, 12, 15
- 4, 8
- 7, 14, 21, 28
- 6, 12, 18
- 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80
FAQ
What age is times table hopscotch best for?
Times table hopscotch works well for children aged 4 to 12, especially those learning their multiplication facts. Younger children can start with smaller numbers like 2s or 5s, while older children can challenge themselves with 6s, 7s, 8s, or 9s.
Can I use this game indoors?
Yes! You can draw a hopscotch grid on paper or a large piece of paper, or even use floor tiles or sticky notes on the floor to make a small indoor grid. The key is to make it fun and active.
How can I make the game more challenging?
You can make the game harder by using larger grids, jumping on multiples in reverse order, jumping on two squares at once, or combining different times tables in one game.
Is this game good for learning times tables?
Yes! Times table hopscotch helps children learn times tables through movement, repetition, and active play. It connects numbers to physical actions, which makes learning more memorable and fun.
What if my child gets frustrated?
If your child gets frustrated, take a break and try again later. You can also make the game shorter or choose a simpler times table. Remember, the goal is to enjoy learning and build confidence, not to compete.
Times Table Facts for 3
| 3 x 0 | 3 x 1 | 3 x 2 | 3 x 3 | 3 x 4 | 3 x 5 | 3 x 6 | 3 x 7 | 3 x 8 | 3 x 9 | 3 x 10 | 3 x 11 | 3 x 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 36 |