The Ultimate Guide to Times Tables for Kids (2–12)

Struggling with Times Tables? Here’s How to Make Learning Faster, Easier, and Even Fun

Many children dread times tables — and with good reason. Traditional memorisation methods can feel repetitive, stressful, and disconnected from real-life maths. But without strong times table fluency, students often fall behind in multiplication, division, fractions, and problem-solving.

This guide is designed for parents, teachers, and tutors who want to make times table learning simple, engaging, and effective — especially for kids aged 5 to 11 (KS1 & KS2). You’ll learn why times tables matter, when to start, which ones to prioritise, and how to practise them using proven methods and fun games.

Why Are Times Tables So Important?

Times tables are the foundation for almost every advanced maths skill taught in primary school. From fractions and percentages to long division and algebra, fluency with multiplication facts makes everything else faster and easier.

Children who know their tables by heart:

• Complete tasks more quickly and with confidence
• Perform better in SATs and school assessments
• Find maths more enjoyable overall
• Struggle less with mental arithmetic

By Year 4, pupils are expected to know all multiplication facts up to 12 × 12 — and they’ll take the official Multiplication Tables Check to prove it.

When Should Kids Start Learning Times Tables?

While full memorisation is expected by the end of Year 4, learning starts much earlier.

• Year 1: Introduce skip counting (e.g., 2s, 5s, 10s)
• Year 2: Focus on 2, 5, and 10 times tables with visual aids
• Year 3: Begin learning 3, 4, 6, and 8 times tables
• Year 4: Master all tables up to 12 × 12, including the 7, 9, 11, and 12 times tables

The key is gradual exposure with lots of reinforcement — not rushed cramming.

The Order in Which to Teach Times Tables

Some times tables are easier to learn than others. Here’s a suggested order based on pattern recognition and ease:

1. 10s (counting in 10s is simple and visual)
2. 2s (pairs, even numbers)
3. 5s (ends in 0 or 5)
4. 4s (double the 2s)
5. 3s (repetition and rhythm help here)
6. 6s (double the 3s)
7. 8s (double the 4s)
8. 9s (use the finger trick or number pattern)
9. 11s (simple up to 11 × 9, then unique for 11 × 11 and 11 × 12)
10. 12s (connect with money and dozens)

Start with the ones that follow natural patterns and build confidence before moving on to trickier sets.

Tips to Help Kids Memorise Times Tables

1. Use Rhythmic Chanting
   Chanting “2, 4, 6, 8…” or “3 times 4 is 12” out loud helps auditory learners internalise the facts.
2. Make It Visual
   Use arrays, number lines, or multiplication grids to demonstrate how repeated addition forms multiplication.
3. Break It into Chunks
   Focus on one set at a time. Master the 2s before moving to 5s or 10s.
4. Use Real-Life Scenarios
   Apply multiplication to everyday examples like eggs in cartons (6s) or packs of crayons (12s).
5. Reward Small Wins
   Celebrate each completed table to keep motivation high. Confidence builds momentum.

Games and Tools That Make Learning Fun

Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Try these interactive and engaging options:

Hit the Button Times Tables Game

Fast-paced challenges that help children master specific tables under time pressure.

Coconut Multiples

Helps with recognition of correct multiples in a fun arcade-style environment.

Multiplication Bingo

Play with siblings or parents to reinforce facts in a relaxed setting.

Times Table Rockstars

Great for speed practice and competition — ideal for Year 4 MTC preparation.

Counting in 2s Game

Useful for early stages in Year 1 and Reception to introduce even numbers.

How Long Should Kids Practise Each Day?

You don’t need hours — just consistency. Aim for:

• 5–10 minutes a day
• Mix of verbal, visual, and digital activities
• Reinforcement through games and recall drills

Quick-fire games work better than long study sessions. Children stay engaged, and learning feels like play.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cramming all tables at once: This overwhelms children and leads to confusion
• Using only worksheets: Not all kids learn best through paper drills
• Focusing only on speed: Accuracy matters more early on
• Skipping hard tables (like 7s or 8s): These require extra repetition, not avoidance
• Not revisiting old ones: Kids forget what they don’t use — cycle back often

How to Support Your Child at Home

1. Practise together — make it a family game
2. Use apps and games like Hit the Button or Daily 10
3. Track which tables they struggle with and revisit them regularly
4. Keep a reward chart or progress tracker
5. Show enthusiasm — your attitude matters more than you think

Times Tables and the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

All Year 4 students in England take a Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). It’s an online assessment where they answer 25 random times table questions in under 6 seconds each.

Practising with tools that simulate this pressure (like Hit the Button or TTRS) gives your child a major advantage in confidence and performance.

Printable & Digital Resources

• Times Table Charts (colour-coded for each number)
• Multiplication Wheels
• Flashcards with missing products or factors
• Times table posters for bedroom or study space
• Free online games for mobile, tablet, and desktop

Final Thoughts: Make It Stick, Make It Fun

Times tables don’t have to be stressful. When taught gradually, reinforced creatively, and practised consistently, they become second nature.

Whether you’re a parent supporting homework, a teacher preparing for SATs, or a tutor helping with confidence, focus on making times tables feel like a game — not a test.

Start with one table today, and watch your child’s maths ability grow faster than you thought possible.

Play now with our interactive times tables game and take the stress out of multiplication