X Tables
Times Table Methods

Times tables for home school routines

Plan short daily sessions with games, recall, explanation and celebration.

Quick answer

Times tables for home school routines are best learned through short, daily sessions that include games, practice, explanation, and celebration. This helps children remember their tables quickly and confidently.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to plan short, effective daily times table sessions at home that include games, practice, and celebration so that you can learn your tables easily and enjoyably.

Why this matters

Learning times tables helps you solve maths problems faster and more confidently. When you know your tables well, you can focus on more complex maths problems instead of spending time counting. You can use times tables in everyday life, like when sharing food, calculating money, or playing games. This routine also builds your confidence and makes learning fun!

How it works

To make a successful times table routine at home:
  1. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for practice.
  2. Start with a quick game to warm up your brain.
  3. Practice recall with flashcards or online games.
  4. Explain the pattern or use arrays to help understand.
  5. Celebrate your progress with praise or small rewards.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to learn the 5 times table using your daily routine. Day 1: Game You play a game where you count by 5s. You count: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60. This is skip counting. Day 2: Practice You use flashcards to practice 5 x 1 = 5, 5 x 2 = 10, and so on. You write them down or say them out loud. Day 3: Explanation You draw 5 groups of 3 stars to show 5 x 3 = 15. You can also use your fingers or counters to show this. Day 4: Celebration You tell your parent or carer what you learned, or you get a sticker for your progress.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a maths adventure to help you learn your times tables! Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt and need to solve maths puzzles to find the treasure. Each puzzle is a times table question. 1st puzzle: 3 x 4 = ? 2nd puzzle: 6 x 2 = ? 3rd puzzle: 5 x 5 = ? 4th puzzle: 7 x 3 = ? 5th puzzle: 8 x 4 = ? 6th puzzle: 9 x 2 = ? 7th puzzle: 10 x 3 = ? 8th puzzle: 11 x 2 = ? 9th puzzle: 12 x 2 = ? 10th puzzle: 0 x 5 = ? Solve each puzzle to find the next clue!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 5 x 6 = 31 instead of 30. Why it happens: Counting too quickly or mixing up the answers. Fix: Use your fingers or draw groups to check your answer.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x 7 = 0. Why it happens: Thinking that multiplying by zero is hard. Fix: Remember that zero groups of anything is zero.
  • Mistake: Confusing 6 x 7 with 7 x 6. Why it happens: Not understanding that order doesn’t matter in multiplication. Fix: Use arrays or drawings to see that both equal 42.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  1. Setting a routine of 10-15 minutes each day.
  2. Using games like flashcards, online apps, or dice games.
  3. Practising together and celebrating small wins.
  4. Being patient and not rushing the learning.
  5. Checking for understanding by asking your child to explain a table.
Here are some simple ways to help:
  • Play a quick game like "What’s the answer?" with 5 x 4 = ?
  • Use everyday objects like fruit or toys to show groups.
  • Make a chart to track your child’s progress.
  • Give praise for effort, not just correct answers.

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 x 6?
  2. What is 7 x 3?
  3. What is 9 x 2?
  4. What is 0 x 8?
  5. What is 11 x 3?
Answers:
  1. 24
  2. 21
  3. 18
  4. 0
  5. 33

FAQ

What times tables should my child learn first?

Start with 2s, 5s, and 10s because they are easier to count and see patterns in.

How long should each daily session be?

Keep sessions between 10 and 15 minutes. Short and regular is better than long and rare.

What if my child finds times tables hard?

Use visual aids, games, and real-life examples. Be patient and focus on understanding, not just memorisation.

How can I make times tables fun?

Use songs, games, stories, or even cooking. Make it a part of play and daily life.

What are some good online resources for times tables?

There are many free apps and websites that offer games and quizzes. Look for ones that are fun and interactive, like those from BBC Bitesize or Topmarks.

Times Table Facts: 5 Times Table

5 x 0 5 x 1 5 x 2 5 x 3 5 x 4 5 x 5 5 x 6 5 x 7 5 x 8 5 x 9 5 x 10 5 x 11 5 x 12
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60