Times tables practice that actually sticks
A calm, practical plan for learning multiplication facts: what order to learn them in, strategies for the hard ones, and five-minute practice ideas.
Skill guide · Grades 2–4
Times tables
A sensible order for learning multiplication facts, strategies for the hard ones, a worked example and short practice ideas for home.
What it is
The times tables are the single-digit multiplication facts, from 1 × 1 up to 9 × 9 (and often up to 10 × 10). Most schools expect children to know them from memory by the end of third grade, along with the matching division facts.
Every fact has a twin, so 6 × 8 and 8 × 6 are one fact to learn, not two. Learning them in a sensible order and using strategies for the hard ones makes the job much smaller.
A worked example
16 × 7 = 112
1
4
1
6
×
7
1
1
2
Every step, the way the pad explains it
- Multiply 7 × 6 = 42. Write 2, carry 4.
- Multiply 7 × 1 = 7, plus the carried 4 = 11. Nothing left to multiply, so write the whole 11.
- 1Split 16 into 10 and 6.
- 2Multiply each part: 10 × 7 = 70 and 6 × 7 = 42.
- 3Add the parts: 70 + 42 = 112.
- 4On paper: 6 × 7 = 42, write 2 and carry 4; then 1 × 7 + 4 = 11.
- 5So 16 × 7 = 112.
Common mistakes
Trying to learn all the facts at once.
Learn one family at a time: 2s, 5s and 10s first, then 4s, 9s, 3s and 6s.
Counting up every time.
Use a nearby fact: 6 × 7 is 5 × 7 plus one more 7.
Freezing under a timer.
Practice untimed at home until a fact is solid. Speed follows.
Not linking multiplication and division.
Learn 7 × 8 together with 56 ÷ 7 and 56 ÷ 8.
Grade range and practice
Usually taught in grades 2–4. Schools order topics a little differently, so your child’s class may meet it earlier or later.
- Five minutes most days, one fact family at a time.
- Flash cards sorted into “know it,” “getting there” and “not yet.”
- Dice or card games where you multiply the two numbers you turn up.
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