How to Make Learning Times Tables Fun: A Parent’s Guide for KS1 & KS2

Let’s be honest. The moment you mention “times tables,” you can almost hear the collective groan from children everywhere. I’ve seen it countless times—that switch from a bright, curious mind to a face that says, “Oh no, not this again.” For many of us, our own memories of learning multiplication involve endless, monotonous chanting and stressful, timed tests. It’s no wonder our kids feel the same way!

But here’s a secret I’ve learned over years of writing about and, more importantly, *living* through educational challenges: it doesn’t have to be a chore. What if I told you that you could transform times tables from a dreaded task into a highlight of the day? It’s not about magic; it’s about shifting the perspective from rote memorisation to playful discovery. This guide is your new playbook, packed with games, strategies, and practical tips to help your child in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) not just learn their times tables, but actually *enjoy* the process.

[AAP_DIRECT_ANSWER: “To make learning times tables fun, move beyond rote memorisation. Incorporate learning into daily life and use a variety of games like multiplication snap, times table hopscotch, and educational apps. Focus on understanding patterns and using physical objects like Lego to make abstract concepts concrete and engaging.”]

[AAP_TOC]

Why Rote Learning Isn’t Enough (And What to Do Instead)

For generations, the “drill and kill” method was the gold standard. We’d chant “2 times 2 is 4, 2 times 3 is 6…” until the numbers were burned into our brains. While there’s a place for memory work, relying on it alone is like building a house with no foundation. A child might be able to recite the 7 times table perfectly but have no real understanding of what “7 x 8” actually *means*. This can lead to significant problems later on when they face more complex maths, like fractions or algebra, that rely on a deep understanding of multiplication.

The goal is to build “number sense.” This is the intuitive understanding of how numbers work and relate to each other. Instead of just memorising a fact, a child with good number sense understands that 7 x 8 is the same as eight groups of seven, or seven groups of eight. They might see it as double 7 x 4, or 7 x 10 minus two lots of 7. This flexibility is the true superpower of mathematics. The best way to build it is by using the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach. You start with physical objects (Concrete), move to drawing them (Pictorial), and only then move to the numbers and symbols (Abstract). It’s a game-changer.

[AAP_KEY_STAT: “A 2015 study by the Education Endowment Foundation found that pupils who develop ‘number sense’ and understand mathematical concepts have better long-term outcomes than those who rely solely on rote memorisation.”]

The Foundation: Fun for Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7)

In KS1, the focus is primarily on the 2, 5, and 10 times tables. This is the perfect time to build positive associations with maths. The key here is movement, rhythm, and hands-on fun. Forget the worksheets for now; it’s time to play!

Start with Counting in Steps

Before they can multiply, they need to be able to “skip count.” This is the rhythmic bedrock of multiplication. Turn it into a song while you’re driving, chanting in a silly voice: “Twooo, fouuur, siiiix, eiiiight!” Make it physical. Can they jump every time they say a number in the 5 times table? Can they take a giant step for every number in the 10s? Clapping games are another fantastic tool. Create a simple pattern, like clap-clap-stomp, and do it as you count in 2s. This connects the abstract numbers to a physical, memorable rhythm.

Make it Concrete

This is the “C” in the CPA approach. Grab anything you have to hand!

Lego Bricks: Build towers of two to show the 2s. “Look, we have four towers of two. How many bricks is that altogether?”
Pasta Shapes: Lay out five pieces of pasta. Now make another group of five. You’re visually demonstrating 2 x 5.
Snack Time Maths: Use grapes, crackers, or raisins. “Can you give two raisins to each of your three teddies? How many raisins did you use?” They’re learning 3 x 2 without even realising it!

This hands-on approach makes multiplication a tangible, real-world concept they can see and touch, not just a bunch of numbers on a page.

Stepping It Up: Engaging Games for Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11)

As children move into KS2, the number of tables they need to learn increases, and the dreaded “tricky” ones (hello, 6s, 7s, and 8s!) make their appearance. This is where gamification becomes your most powerful ally. A child who thinks they are “playing a game” will persevere for far longer than a child who thinks they are “doing homework.” The goal is low-stakes, high-fun practice.

Classic Card Games with a Twist

A simple deck of cards (take out the Jack, Queen, King, and treat Ace as 1) is a times table powerhouse.

Multiplication War: It’s just like the classic card game ‘War’, but with a twist. Each player flips two cards and multiplies them together. The player with the highest product wins all four cards. It’s fast, competitive, and gets those maths facts firing.
Times Table Bingo: This requires a tiny bit of prep but is well worth it. Create some simple 3×3 bingo grids and fill them with answers from a specific times table you’re focusing on (e.g., numbers from the 7 times table like 14, 21, 49, etc.). Then, you call out the questions (“4 x 7!”). The first one to get a line shouts “Bingo!”

Get Active!

Who says maths has to be a sit-down activity? Taking it outside can completely change the energy.

Times Table Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch grid but instead of 1-10, fill it with multiples of 3 (3, 6, 9, 12…). Your child has to say the number as they land on it.
Ball-Toss Multiplication: This is great for practising a sequence. Stand opposite your child and throw a ball back and forth. The first person says “4,” the person who catches it says “8,” the next says “12,” and so on. If someone drops the ball or gets the number wrong, you start again.

Tip: Integrate times tables into everyday routines! Ask 'We need three sausages each, and there are four of us. How many sausages is that?' while cooking dinner. It makes maths relevant and less intimidating.

The Digital Playground: Top Apps and Online Resources

In today’s world, ignoring technology is like trying to teach without books. When used correctly, apps and websites can be incredibly effective tools for practising times tables. They offer instant feedback, engaging graphics, and adaptive learning that adjusts to your child’s level. My kids have had huge success with apps like Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRockstars), which turns learning into a rock battle, Squeebles, and the more comprehensive Komodo Maths.

However, it’s important to be mindful. Not all screen time is created equal, and these digital tools should complement, not replace, the hands-on activities we’ve discussed. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

Using Digital Apps: The Pros & Cons

✔ Pro: Motivation & Engagement. The game-like structure, points, and rewards can be a huge motivator for children who might otherwise resist practice.
✔ Pro: Instant Feedback. Apps can tell a child immediately if their answer is correct, which helps reinforce facts and correct mistakes on the spot.
✔ Pro: Adaptive Learning. Many apps identify which facts a child is struggling with and will present them more often, providing targeted practice.
✖ Con: Screen Time. It’s a valid concern for all parents. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries and balance app time with other activities.
✖ Con: Potential for Distraction. Some apps are loaded with ads or in-app purchases that can break concentration.
✖ Con: Lack of Conceptual Understanding. A child can get very fast at answering on an app without necessarily understanding *why* 6 x 8 = 48. This is why it must be balanced with hands-on methods.

Warning: Monitor screen time carefully. While educational apps are fantastic tools, they should supplement, not replace, physical games and real-world interaction.

Comparing Learning Methods: What’s Best for Your Child?

Every child is different. The method that clicks for one might not work for another. The best approach is usually a blend of different strategies. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide where to focus your energy based on your child’s learning style.

Method	Best For…	Key Benefit	Potential Downside
Physical Games (Cards, board games, active games)	Kinesthetic and social learners who learn by doing and interacting.	Builds strong conceptual understanding and makes learning a positive, shared experience.	Can require more time and direct involvement from the parent.
Digital Apps & Websites	Visually-oriented learners and children motivated by competition and rewards.	Excellent for rapid-fire practice, instant feedback, and independent learning.	Risk of too much screen time; may not build deep conceptual understanding on its own.
Worksheets & Flashcards	Consolidating knowledge and preparing for formal tests like the MTC.	Provides focused, distraction-free practice and helps assess what a child knows.	Can be perceived as boring or stressful if overused; lacks the “fun” factor.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing a New Times Table

Okay, so you’re ready to tackle a new, tricky times table like the 7s. Where do you start? Just launching into chanting can be overwhelming. I find following a simple, multi-sensory process works wonders.

Here’s how this process looks in action for the 7 times table:

Find the Pattern: Write out the multiples: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70. Look at the last digits together: 7, 4, 1, 8, 5, 2, 9, 6, 3, 0. Notice anything? Just talking about the numbers and looking for connections is a powerful first step.
Use Concrete Objects: Grab some coins. Make one group of 7 pennies. Then make a second group. Count them: 14. Now a third. Count them: 21. This physically demonstrates what 3 x 7 actually is.
Draw a Picture: Now, move to the pictorial stage. Ask your child to draw what you just did. They could draw 3 plates with 7 cookies on each. This helps transfer the concrete experience into a mental image.
Learn a Trick: Does this table have a fun shortcut? For the 7s, a common trick is to use known facts. For 7 x 8, a child might find it easier to do 5 x 8 (40) and 2 x 8 (16) and add them together (56). This builds number flexibility.
Play a Game: Now, solidify the knowledge with fun. Play Multiplication War, but agree that any time a 7 is drawn, you have to use that table. Or create a quick Bingo card for the 7s.
Low-Stakes Practice: The final step. This isn’t a test! Just ask a few casual questions over the next few days. “Hey, I was just thinking… what’s 6 x 7 again?” Keep it light and positive.

Ready to Level Up?

Feeling confident about the 2s, 5s, and 10s? Wondering if your child is ready to tackle the trickier tables? Take this quick quiz to see what might be the next fun challenge on your multiplication adventure!

Tackling the Tricky Tables (6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s)

It’s inevitable. Your child will breeze through the 2s, 5s, and 10s, and then hit a wall. The 6, 7, and 8 times tables can feel like a huge mountain to climb. The key here is not more drilling, but more strategy.

First, give them a huge confidence boost by explaining the **commutative property**. This is a fancy term for a simple idea: 3 x 7 is the same as 7 x 3. Once they realise this, they see they already know a huge chunk of the “hard” tables. They know 2×7, 3×7, 4×7, 5×7, and 10×7 from their other tables! Suddenly, the 7 times table only has a few new facts to learn.

Second, teach them to **use known facts**. Is 6 x 8 a struggle? Well, do they know 3 x 8? That’s 24. And 6 is just double 3, so they just need to double 24 to get 48! This isn’t cheating; it’s smart thinking and builds that crucial number sense.

Finally, embrace the tricks! The **9s finger trick** is a classic for a reason.

Hold both hands up in front of you, palms facing away.
To solve 9 x 3, count to your third finger from the left and fold it down.
The fingers to the left of the folded finger are the ‘tens’ (you have 2).
The fingers to the right are the ‘ones’ (you have 7).
The answer is 27! It works every time.

“Turn 'I can't do it' into 'Let's find a trick!' The secret to mastering tough times tables isn't just memory; it's strategy and a playful mindset. #MathsForKids #TimesTables”

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The Journey is the Destination

Learning times tables is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days of frustration and days of triumphant celebration. Your role as a parent isn’t to be a drill sergeant, but a coach and a cheerleader. Celebrate the effort, not just the right answers. Praise the clever strategies they use and the perseverance they show when a tricky fact finally clicks.

By making it fun, staying patient, and using a wide variety of games and real-world examples, you are doing more than just teaching them multiplication. You are teaching them that learning can be joyful, that challenges can be overcome with creative thinking, and that maths is not something to be feared, but a fascinating world to be explored. And that is a lesson that will stick with them long after they’ve mastered 12 x 12.