Times tables have a reputation for being the point where maths stops being fun. It doesn't have to be that way — a bit of variety and short, regular practice usually beats one long, dreaded session.
Start with skip counting, not memorizing
Before a child can recall "7 times 8" instantly, they need to be comfortable counting in that number — 2s, 5s, and 10s first, since those come most naturally. Counting in twos while going up stairs, or in fives while doing star jumps, builds the pattern before you ever put a worksheet in front of them.
Keep sessions short and frequent
Five focused minutes a day beats a thirty-minute session once a week. Short bursts also make it much easier to end on a win rather than on frustration, which matters more for whether a child wants to try again tomorrow than how many sums they got through today.
Mix it up
- Say them out loud together in the car
- Use objects (buttons, pasta, toy bricks) to physically group numbers before moving to abstract sums
- Turn practice into a quick verbal back-and-forth game rather than always sitting down to write
- Bring in a worksheet once the concept is familiar, to build speed and confidence — not as the first step
Free printable practice
Our Numbers for Kids category has free times tables worksheets from 1 through 12, along with number tracing and counting activities for building up to it. All free, no sign-up required.
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