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My child is struggling with times tables. What helps?
When a child struggles with times tables, the usual response is more of the same: more worksheets, more reciting. That rarely helps, because it spends most of the time on facts they already know.
A better plan has three steps. First, find out exactly which facts are wrong or slow. Second, give each of those facts a strategy based on something your child already knows. Third, practice just those facts for a few minutes a day, and recheck after a couple of weeks.
Turning a missed fact into a known fact
- Missed 7 × 8 = 56? Use a fact your child knows: 7 × 7 = 49, and 49 + 7 = 56.
- Missed 6 × 9 = 54? Use ten groups minus one: 6 × 9 = 60 − 6 = 54.
- Missed 8 × 4 = 32? Double, double, double: 4, then 8, then 16, then 32.
- Missed 7 × 6 = 42? Use five groups plus two: 30 + 12 = 42.
8 facts that often cause trouble
- 7 × 8 = ?
- 6 × 9 = ?
- 8 × 4 = ?
- 7 × 6 = ?
- 8 × 7 = ?
- 9 × 4 = ?
- 6 × 6 = ?
- 7 × 7 = ?
Show answers
- 7 × 8 = 56
- 6 × 9 = 54
- 8 × 4 = 32
- 7 × 6 = 42
- 8 × 7 = 56
- 9 × 4 = 36
- 6 × 6 = 36
- 7 × 7 = 49
Tips for parents
- Find the facts first, then practice. Don't redo whole tables.
- Short and often: 5 minutes a day, not one long session.
- Notice slow facts too. A correct answer that takes 10 seconds still needs work.
- Praise effort and strategy, not speed.
Questions parents ask
Why can't my child remember times tables?
Often the facts were drilled before they made sense, or practice covered whole tables instead of the facts that are missing. Some children also need more repetition spread over time. Focused, short daily practice usually helps.