X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

Eyes On Faces 2 times table adventure

A story-led page turning eyes on faces into a junior adventure for practising the 2 times table.

Quick answer

By looking at faces around you and counting the eyes, you can practice the 2 times table! Every face has 2 eyes, so if you see 3 faces, you can count 2, 4, 6 eyes in total. This is a fun way to learn and remember the 2 times table.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count in 2s and use the 2 times table to work out how many eyes you see on faces around you. Success signs:
  • You can count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
  • You can say 2 x 1 = 2, 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, and so on up to 2 x 12 = 24
  • You can look at a group of faces and quickly say how many eyes there are
  • You can use your 2 times table to solve simple problems about eyes

Why this matters

Learning the 2 times table helps you count faster and solve problems more easily. Whether you're looking at faces, counting your socks, or sharing cookies, the 2 times table helps you know how many items there are in total. It also helps you do well in maths at school and in games and real life.

How it works

Every face has 2 eyes. So, if you see 1 face, you see 2 eyes. If you see 2 faces, you see 4 eyes. If you see 3 faces, you see 6 eyes. This is the 2 times table! You can count in 2s to find the answer. Or you can use the 2 times table to help you work it out.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real-life examples where you can use the 2 times table to count eyes. Example 1: Faces in a classroom If there are 5 children in your classroom, and each child has 2 eyes, how many eyes are there in total?
  • 1 face = 2 eyes
  • 2 faces = 4 eyes
  • 3 faces = 6 eyes
  • 4 faces = 8 eyes
  • 5 faces = 10 eyes
Example 2: Looking at animals If you see 4 dogs, and each dog has 2 eyes, how many eyes do you see?
  • 1 dog = 2 eyes
  • 2 dogs = 4 eyes
  • 3 dogs = 6 eyes
  • 4 dogs = 8 eyes
Example 3: Counting your own eyes You have 2 eyes. If you see 6 friends, how many eyes do you see?
  • 1 friend = 2 eyes
  • 2 friends = 4 eyes
  • 3 friends = 6 eyes
  • 4 friends = 8 eyes
  • 5 friends = 10 eyes
  • 6 friends = 12 eyes

Try it as a mini adventure

Eyes On Faces 2 Times Table Adventure You are a detective who needs to find the total number of eyes in a busy street. Here's your mission: Step 1: Look around your house or street and count 1 face. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 2 eyes) Step 2: Count 2 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 4 eyes) Step 3: Count 3 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 6 eyes) Step 4: Count 4 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 8 eyes) Step 5: Count 5 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 10 eyes) Step 6: Count 6 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 12 eyes) Step 7: Count 7 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 14 eyes) Step 8: Count 8 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 16 eyes) Step 9: Count 9 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 18 eyes) Step 10: Count 10 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 20 eyes) Step 11: Count 11 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 22 eyes) Step 12: Count 12 faces. How many eyes do you see? (Answer: 24 eyes) Can you count all the way to 24 eyes? You did it! You've completed your 2 times table adventure.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 2 x 3 = 5.
    Why it happens: Confusing the 2 times table with another table.
    Fix: Remember that 2 x 3 means 2 groups of 3, so 3 + 3 = 6. Or count in 2s: 2, 4, 6.
  • Mistake: Counting eyes on faces and getting confused.
    Why it happens: Not knowing how many eyes each face has.
    Fix: Remember, every face has 2 eyes. Count the faces, then double the number.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to add the 2s.
    Why it happens: Not practising counting in 2s.
    Fix: Practice counting in 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Playing the 2 times table counting game with them. Ask them to count faces and eyes in your house or street.
  • Using flashcards or a times table chart to help them learn the 2 times table.
  • Practising skip counting in 2s with them every day.
  • Encouraging them to look for examples of 2s in everyday life, like pairs of socks or eyes on faces.
  • Not worrying if they make a mistake. Mistakes are part of learning!

Practice questions

  1. How many eyes are on 3 faces? Answer: 6
  2. How many eyes are on 5 faces? Answer: 10
  3. How many eyes are on 7 faces? Answer: 14
  4. How many eyes are on 9 faces? Answer: 18
  5. How many eyes are on 11 faces? Answer: 22
  6. How many eyes are on 12 faces? Answer: 24

2 Times Table Facts

2 x 0 2 x 1 2 x 2 2 x 3 2 x 4 2 x 5 2 x 6 2 x 7 2 x 8 2 x 9 2 x 10 2 x 11 2 x 12
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

FAQ

What is the 2 times table? The 2 times table is counting in 2s. 2 x 1 = 2, 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, and so on up to 2 x 12 = 24.

Why is the 2 times table important? It helps you count faster and solve problems more easily. It also helps you learn other times tables later.

How can I practice the 2 times table? You can count in 2s, use flashcards, play games, or look for faces and count their eyes.

Can I use the 2 times table for anything else? Yes! You can use it to count pairs of socks, shoes, or anything that comes in pairs.

What if I forget the 2 times table? You can count in 2s to help you remember. Or you can use the pattern of the 2 times table: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.