X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

High-Fives 2 times table adventure

A story-led page turning high-fives into a junior adventure for practising the 2 times table.

Quick answer

You can practice the 2 times table by counting high-fives, which helps you learn how many fingers you're using when you give a high-five to a friend.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply any number by 2 using high-fives as a fun way to count. Success signs:
  • You can say the 2 times table from 0 to 12 out loud.
  • You can solve 2 times table problems quickly.
  • You can use high-fives to show how many fingers you're using.
  • You can help a friend practice the 2 times table too.

Why this matters

Learning the 2 times table helps you in many places. When you play football, you might score 2 points for a goal. When you count your fingers, you can see 2 fingers on each hand. When you give a high-five to a friend, you're using 2 hands. The 2 times table helps you understand how many pairs you have, how many fingers you use, and how many friends you can high-five.

How it works

When you give a high-five, you use 2 fingers. If you give 1 high-five, you use 2 fingers. If you give 2 high-fives, you use 4 fingers. If you give 3 high-fives, you use 6 fingers. Each time you give a high-five, you add 2 more fingers. So, the 2 times table is like counting by 2s.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're playing with your friends and you want to count how many fingers you use when you give high-fives.
  • 0 high-fives = 0 fingers
  • 1 high-five = 2 fingers
  • 2 high-fives = 4 fingers
  • 3 high-fives = 6 fingers
  • 4 high-fives = 8 fingers
  • 5 high-fives = 10 fingers
  • 6 high-fives = 12 fingers
  • 7 high-fives = 14 fingers
  • 8 high-fives = 16 fingers
  • 9 high-fives = 18 fingers
  • 10 high-fives = 20 fingers
  • 11 high-fives = 22 fingers
  • 12 high-fives = 24 fingers

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a superhero who can give high-fives to 2 friends at once. You start with 0 high-fives and your goal is to give 12 high-fives. Each time you give a high-five, you use 2 fingers. How many fingers do you use in total?
  1. 1st time: 2 fingers
  2. 2nd time: 4 fingers
  3. 3rd time: 6 fingers
  4. 4th time: 8 fingers
  5. 5th time: 10 fingers
  6. 6th time: 12 fingers
  7. 7th time: 14 fingers
  8. 8th time: 16 fingers
  9. 9th time: 18 fingers
  10. 10th time: 20 fingers
  11. 11th time: 22 fingers
  12. 12th time: 24 fingers

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 2 x 2 = 4, but forgetting that 2 x 3 = 6.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to mix up multiplication facts.
    Fix: Use your fingers or count by 2s to check your answers.
  • Mistake: Counting fingers as 1, 2, 3, 4 instead of 2, 4, 6, 8.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that 2 x 2 = 4 means 2 groups of 2.
    Fix: Use high-fives to show 2 groups of 2 fingers.
  • Mistake: Not knowing 2 x 0 = 0.
    Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition.
    Fix: Remember that if you give 0 high-fives, you use 0 fingers.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Practising the 2 times table together using high-fives.
  • Counting fingers as you give high-fives to friends or family.
  • Using a number line or counting objects to help your child see the pattern.
  • Playing a game where you say a number and your child gives that many high-fives.
  • Encouraging your child to explain how many fingers they use when they give high-fives.

Practice questions

  1. How many fingers do you use if you give 5 high-fives?
  2. If you give 3 high-fives, how many fingers do you use?
  3. How many fingers do you use if you give 7 high-fives?
  4. How many fingers do you use if you give 10 high-fives?
  5. If you give 12 high-fives, how many fingers do you use?
Answers:
  1. 10 fingers
  2. 6 fingers
  3. 14 fingers
  4. 20 fingers
  5. 24 fingers

FAQ

How can I practice the 2 times table with my child?

You can practice by giving high-fives and counting how many fingers you use. For example, if you give 3 high-fives, you use 6 fingers.

Why is learning the 2 times table helpful?

The 2 times table helps you count pairs, like 2 fingers, 2 hands, or 2 socks. It also helps with counting in 2s, which is useful in many real-life situations.

What if my child finds it hard to remember the 2 times table?

Use hands-on activities like giving high-fives, counting fingers, or drawing pictures. Practice regularly and use games to make it fun.

Can I use the 2 times table for other things besides high-fives?

Yes! You can use it for counting pairs of socks, shoes, or eyes. It's also helpful for counting in 2s, like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.

How can I make learning the 2 times table more fun?

Make it a game! Give high-fives to friends or family, count fingers, or use songs to help remember the 2 times table.