X Tables
Times Table Methods

Times tables for active learners

Use jumping, throwing, stepping and treasure hunts to combine movement with recall.

Quick answer

You can learn times tables by moving your body, jumping, stepping, throwing, or playing games that involve physical activity – all while memorising multiplication facts!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to learn times tables by moving your body, playing games, and using your whole self – not just your brain. Success signs:
  • You can count in groups by jumping or stepping
  • You can play a times table game with a friend
  • You can use your body to show multiplication facts
  • You can remember your times tables faster with movement

Why this matters

Learning times tables is important because it helps you solve maths problems quickly and easily. When you know your tables, you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide faster. But if you’re active and love moving, you don’t have to sit still and memorise. You can learn with your whole body – and that’s just as good!

How it works

When you learn times tables with movement, you use your muscles, your voice, and your imagination. You can:
  • Jump or step in groups to count
  • Throw or catch objects to make equal groups
  • Move your body to show multiplication
  • Play games that use numbers and motion
This way, your brain remembers better because it connects the numbers to actions.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how you can learn the 3 times table with movement. Example 1: Jumping in groups Jump 3 times, then 3 more times, then 3 more times. That’s 3 + 3 + 3 = 9. So 3 × 3 = 9.
  • Jump 1st time: 3
  • Jump 2nd time: 6
  • Jump 3rd time: 9
Example 2: Throwing balls You have 4 boxes. You put 3 balls in each box. How many balls do you have?
  • Box 1: 3 balls
  • Box 2: 3 balls
  • Box 3: 3 balls
  • Box 4: 3 balls
That’s 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12. So 4 × 3 = 12. Example 3: Clapping Clap 5 times, then 5 more times. That’s 5 + 5 = 10. So 2 × 5 = 10.
  • Clap 1st time: 5
  • Clap 2nd time: 10

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Treasure Hunt Times Tables You are a pirate looking for treasure on a secret island. Each treasure chest is locked with a number. You need to solve times tables to open the chest.
  • 1st chest: 2 × 4 = ?
  • 2nd chest: 5 × 3 = ?
  • 3rd chest: 6 × 2 = ?
  • 4th chest: 3 × 7 = ?
  • 5th chest: 8 × 1 = ?
To open each chest, you must jump or clap the correct number of times.
  • 1st chest: Jump 8 times (because 2 × 4 = 8)
  • 2nd chest: Clap 15 times (because 5 × 3 = 15)
  • 3rd chest: Jump 12 times (because 6 × 2 = 12)
  • 4th chest: Clap 21 times (because 3 × 7 = 21)
  • 5th chest: Step 8 times (because 8 × 1 = 8)
The last chest holds the biggest treasure! Can you open them all?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 2 × 3 = 6, but forgetting that 3 × 2 = 6 too.
    Why it happens: Not knowing that multiplication is commutative (the order doesn’t matter).
    Fix: Try jumping or clapping both ways to see they give the same answer.
  • Mistake: Counting on fingers instead of using movement.
    Why it happens: Not trying new ways to learn.
    Fix: Try jumping or stepping instead of fingers. It’s more fun!
  • Mistake: Forgetting to practice the tables you don’t know well.
    Why it happens: Being lazy or bored.
    Fix: Make a game or move your body to practice your weak tables.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Playing movement games with them at home
  • Encouraging them to jump or clap for times tables
  • Using a timer for short fun challenges
  • Practising together with songs or clapping
  • Noticing when they get frustrated – take a break and try again
It’s okay if they don’t know all the tables yet. Just keep playing and moving!

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 × 5? (Answer: 20)
  2. What is 7 × 2? (Answer: 14)
  3. What is 3 × 8? (Answer: 24)
  4. What is 6 × 4? (Answer: 24)
  5. What is 9 × 1? (Answer: 9)
  6. What is 10 × 3? (Answer: 30)
  7. What is 5 × 6? (Answer: 30)
  8. What is 2 × 9? (Answer: 18)
  9. What is 11 × 2? (Answer: 22)
  10. What is 12 × 1? (Answer: 12)

FAQ

Why does moving help with learning times tables?

Moving helps because it uses your body and brain together. When you jump or clap, you are doing the maths with your muscles. This makes the numbers stick better in your memory.

Can I use games to learn times tables?

Yes! You can play games like "Jump and Multiply" or "Throw and Count". These games make learning fun and help you remember faster.

How can I make a movement game for my times tables?

Try jumping or clapping the number of times for each multiplication fact. For example, for 3 × 4, jump 3 times, then 3 more times, then 3 more times. You’ll have jumped 12 times!

What if I don’t like jumping or moving?

That’s okay! You can still learn with other active methods like drawing arrays, using toys, or making up songs. The goal is to make learning times tables fun!

How long should I practice with movement?

Try 5 to 10 minutes a day. It’s better to do a little every day than to do a lot all at once. Keep it fun and short!