We have been using multiplication in our calculating. We have explored multiplication as repeated addition and have talked about patterns of number when skip counting through the hundred square. Learning our multiplying facts (times tables) will improve the speed of our calculations.
Here are some helpful hints!
1. Look for patterns
In the 2 and 10 times, tables the numbers are all even. In fact, any number multiplied by an even number will be even. In the 10 times table all the numbers end in 0 and in the 5 times table all the numbers end in 5 or 0.
Once they have mastered the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, children should find it easier to move on to 4 and 8. Again, point out the patterns. The answers for the 4 times table are the answers to the 2 times table doubled: for example, 3 × 4 = 3 × 2 × 2. Likewise, the answers for the 8 times table are the answers to the 4 times table doubled: for example, 5 × 8 = 5 × 4 × 2. See if your child notices repeating patterns as in the 8 times table where the ones digit decreases by 2 and repeats after 5×8 or the repeating pattern of the ones in the 4 times table.
When they come to the 3, 6 and 9 times tables, children will see that the digits of each answer add together to make 3, 6 or 9, or a multiple of those numbers. In the 9 times table they will also see a pattern in the tens and ones, with the tens increasing and the ones decreasing as you go up the times table.
2. The rule of commutativity
The rule of commutativity is useful for children learning times tables because it shows that they know more than they might think. Thanks to commutativity, when they learn a multiplication fact, they also learn the following three additional facts:
• When writing a multiplication, the numbers being multiplied can be written in any order. So if a child knows that 2 × 8 = 16, they also know that 8 × 2 = 16.
• For every multiplication fact there are related division facts. So if a child knows that 2 × 8 = 16, they also know that 16 ÷ 2 = 8.
• Lastly, if a child knows that 16 ÷ 2 = 8, they also know that 16 ÷ 8 = 2.
3. Games/songs/online activities/physical activities
There are lots of multiplication activities/times tables games on Topmarks Maths and times table challenges will also be set on Sumdog, if your child wishes to use this at home. Your child can also rewrite their tables in posters as a way of remembering or reciting them whilst skipping or bouncing a ball. Games like Buzz where a multiple of a given number is replaced by a shout of ‘buzz!’ can also be fun to play as a family. There is also musical inspiration on YouTube – Mr DeMaio has a great range of times table songs.
Finally, your child should learn at their own pace. We will have a weekly focus in class which your child can share with you. If they wish to learn more than the weekly focus, they should go for it!
Mrs O
