1. Understanding, not memorising
The biggest mistake is forcing children to mindlessly chant "3 times 4 is 12, 3 times 5 is 15". A child who understands that multiplication is repeated addition can work out any answer on their own - even if they momentarily forget it.
Show your child: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Or: 4 groups of 3 blocks. Let them count - 12!
Use physical objects: LEGO bricks, sweets, crayons. Let your child arrange 3 rows of 5 bricks and see for themselves that it's 15. This stage takes a week or two but builds a foundation for years to come.
2. Bridging through tens
This method revolutionises addition and subtraction - and also helps with multiplication. It breaks calculations into simpler steps, using the nearest ten as a "stepping stone".
Step 1: How many to get to 20? => 2
Step 2: How many left from 5? => 5 - 2 = 3
Step 3: 20 + 3 = 23 ✓
Step 1: How many to the nearest ten below? => 3 (23 - 3 = 20)
Step 2: How many still to subtract? => 5 - 3 = 2
Step 3: 20 - 2 = 18 ✓
Why does it work? Children learn to think about numbers structurally rather than guessing. This foundation pays dividends later in division, fractions and algebra.
NumWiz teaches addition and subtraction using the bridging through tens method - children must enter each step, so they can't simply guess the answer.
3. Tricks and patterns
Some parts of the times tables have simple patterns that children can discover themselves:
Multiplying by 1 and 10
The easiest - the answer is the same number (times 1) or the number with a zero added (times 10). Start here!
Multiplying by 2
This is simply doubling. 7 × 2 = 7 + 7 = 14. Most children can do this intuitively.
Multiplying by 5
Results always end in 0 or 5. Show the pattern: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30... like a clock!
Multiplying by 9 - the finger trick
Hold up 10 fingers. Want to calculate 9 × 4? Fold down the 4th finger. On the left you have 3 fingers (tens), on the right 6 fingers (ones). Answer: 36. Magic!
Commutative property
If your child already knows 3 × 7 = 21, they automatically know 7 × 3 = 21 too. That's almost half the work done!
4. Maths games
Research shows that learning through play is 2-3 times more effective than traditional drills. Games activate the reward centre in the brain - children want to practise rather than feeling forced.
What makes a good maths game?
- Instant feedback - children know immediately if their answer is correct
- Progressive difficulty - starts easy and gradually increases the challenge
- Reward system - stars, badges and streaks motivate daily return
- Short sessions - 5-10 minutes is optimal for a 6-9 year old's concentration
🧙 Try NumWiz - completely free!
A maths game that teaches multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Bridging through tens method. 3 languages. No sign-up required.
Play at numwiz.net =>5. Consistency and motivation
The best method won't work without consistency. But 10 minutes a day > 1 hour at the weekend. Why?
The brain consolidates information during sleep. If your child practises daily, each night strengthens the neural connections. If they practise once a week, the brain "forgets" most of it between sessions.
How to maintain motivation
- Daily streaks - "wow, 7 days in a row!"
- Visual progress - a chart or stars the child can see
- No punishment - never punish a wrong answer, celebrate the attempt
- Compare with themselves, not others - "yesterday you got 8/10, today 9!"
If your child resists - lower the difficulty, don't increase the pressure. It's better to practise 2 times tables with a smile than 7 times tables with tears. Success builds motivation.