Multiplication Tables
This topic covers 5 learning steps, guiding your child from the basics through to confident problem-solving. Each step includes a worked example and adaptive practice questions.
What Your Child Will Learn
- Times Tables 2, 5, 10
Recall facts for the 2, 5 and 10 times tables - Times Tables 3, 4, 8
Recall facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables - Times Tables 6, 7, 9
Recall facts for the 6, 7 and 9 times tables - Mixed Rapid Recall
Quick-fire questions from all tables up to 12x12 - Challenge — Tables in Word Problems
Apply times tables knowledge to multi-step problems
Worked Example
The Blacksmith says:
The Blacksmith needs 7 sets of 5 nails. How many nails total?
- We need 7 x 5.
- Count by fives: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35.
- 7 x 5 = 35 nails.
Answer: 35
Common Mistakes
- Memorising tables as a list without understanding what they mean (e.g. chanting "6, 12, 18" but not knowing that 3 × 6 = 18)
Pair chanting with understanding: "3 groups of 6 is 18." Use arrays or groups of objects to show what each fact looks like. Memorisation AND understanding work together. - Struggling with the 6, 7, 8, and 9 times tables because they feel like entirely new facts
Most of these facts are already known from easier tables. 6 × 4 is the same as 4 × 6. By Year 4, your child already knows the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s — so most "hard" facts are just the reverse of known ones. - Thinking that multiplication always makes numbers bigger (not yet, but this becomes a problem with fractions)
For whole numbers, multiplication does make things bigger. Reinforce the idea of "groups of" so children understand the concept, which helps later when multiplying by fractions or decimals.
Tips for Parents
- Practise tables for 5 minutes daily — short, frequent sessions beat long weekly ones. Try over breakfast or on the school run.
- Focus on the tricky facts: 6×7, 6×8, 7×8, 7×9, 8×9. If your child knows the rest, these are the ones that need most attention.
- Use games: roll two dice and multiply the numbers, play times table bingo, or use free apps for timed challenges.
- Teach the "turn-around trick" — if you know 3 × 8 = 24, you automatically know 8 × 3 = 24. This halves the facts to learn.
Key Words
- Times table — The set of multiplication facts for a number — the 7 times table is 7, 14, 21, 28, 35...
- Product — The answer when you multiply two numbers — the product of 6 and 4 is 24.
- Factor — A number that multiplies with another to make a product — 6 and 4 are both factors of 24.
- Multiple — A number in a times table — 24 is a multiple of 6 (and also a multiple of 4).
- Commutative — Multiplication works in any order — 3 × 5 = 5 × 3. This is the commutative property.
Where This Fits
Before this topic: Children should know their 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 times tables and understand multiplication as equal groups.
After this topic: Rapid recall of all tables up to 12 × 12 is essential for long multiplication, division, fractions, and algebra throughout the rest of primary school and beyond.
How MathCraft Teaches This
In MathCraft, Multiplication Tables is taught through the Algebra & Arithmetic adventure track. Your child follows guided lessons with friendly characters, works through examples step by step, then practises with questions that adapt to their level.
The adaptive engine tracks mastery across all 5 steps, revisiting concepts your child finds tricky and advancing when they're ready. Parents can see detailed progress in the Parent Dashboard.
Practise Multiplication Tables with MathCraft
Step-by-step lessons, worked examples, and adaptive practice — all wrapped in an adventure game your child will love.
Try MathCraft Free No credit card required