The Stress-Free Guide to Learning Times Tables

Learning times tables can feel like a bit of a chore for kids and even adults sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be all about memorising and repeating over and over. In fact, research and experience show that the more creative and hands-on you get, the easier it is to remember them. Let’s explore some tips and tricks that make learning times tables not just possible, but actually fun.

It is also worth remembering that there aren't 144 separate multiplication facts to memorise for the numbers 1 to 12. Because multiplication is commutative, 3 times 4 is the same as 4 times 3, and 7 times 6 is the same as 6 times 7. This means there are really only 78 unique facts to learn, which makes the task much more manageable and less intimidating.

Use Stories and Visual Hooks

It may seem counterintuitive, but giving your child more information, not less, can make times tables easier to remember. Memory experts often use stories, images, or silly scenarios to help students retain facts. For example, if a child is struggling with 3 times 7, you could invent a story where there are three doors in a house and behind each door is a key with seven little teeth. Drawing this out visually, you can show that three doors multiplied by seven teeth equals twenty-one teeth altogether. Suddenly, 3 times 7 is not just a number; it is a little story they can picture in their mind. These hooks make abstract numbers more concrete.

Similarly, everyday objects can be used to create memorable scenes. You might visualise a stick of French bread wearing teabags as earrings slipping on butter at the supermarket. It sounds silly, but that extra detail makes it stick. The same principle applies to times tables. The more unusual and vivid the mental image, the more likely it is to be remembered.

Relate Multiplication to What They Already Know

Linking new information to something familiar is a powerful memory tool. For instance, if a child knows that 10 times 8 equals 80, they can use that knowledge to work out 5 times 8. By halving the total, they quickly see that 5 times 8 equals 40. This kind of mental shortcut helps them see the patterns in multiplication rather than learning each fact separately.

Another approach is to link numbers to dates, events, or personal experiences. For example, if 10th May is a birthday they remember, then 11th May becomes memorable as the day after the birthday. You could even create little stories around these connections, such as imagining three friends each bringing seven balloons to a party. By tying numbers to things your child already understands or cares about, multiplication becomes more meaningful and easier to retain.

Visualise with Hands, Fingers, or Objects

Hands and fingers are a natural tool for learning multiplication. For tricky tables like 5 times 8, you can ask a child to picture eight hands. Each hand has five fingers, and counting them all leads to the answer, 40. This gives children a concrete way to understand multiplication rather than just memorising a fact.

You can extend this idea to toys, coins, blocks, or other objects. For example, for 4 times 6, imagine four groups of six toy cars lined up on the floor. Seeing the groups visually helps children understand what multiplication actually means. Visualisation makes the concept less abstract, giving them a way to “see” the answer in their mind before they even write it down.

Practice with Patterns and Rhythms

Times tables often have patterns that can make them easier to learn. For example, the 9 times table has a neat pattern where the digits in the answer always add up to nine. Singing tables as a song or clapping out the rhythm can also help. Adding sound, movement, or rhythm engages multiple parts of the brain, making the numbers stick better.

Another example is the 5 times table, which always ends in either 0 or 5. Pointing out these patterns gives children shortcuts and reduces the amount they need to memorise. Repetition is important, but combining it with interactive methods such as games, songs, or clapping keeps it from feeling boring or overwhelming.

Make Learning Short and Fun

It is better to practise a little and often rather than trying to memorise everything in one long session. Five or ten minutes of focused practice every day is far more effective than an hour of tired, distracted learning. You can turn this into a fun challenge, timing how fast they can recall a table or using a quiz format with rewards for correct answers.

Games such as matching cards, multiplication bingo, or even drawing silly stories for each fact can make practice enjoyable. The more a child enjoys the process, the less it feels like a task and the more likely they are to stick with it.

Be Patient and Positive

Some tables take longer to learn than others, and that is perfectly normal. Celebrate small wins and encourage a sense of curiosity rather than pressure. Even just five minutes a day of playful practice can lead to big improvements over time. Using games, quizzes, or visual stories keeps learning lighthearted and effective.

Conclusion

Times tables do not have to be frustrating. By turning numbers into stories, visual images, and personal connections, children can learn them more easily and even enjoy the process. Creativity, patience, and consistent practice are the keys to success. With these strategies, tricky tables that once seemed impossible can become just another puzzle to solve, helping children build confidence in their multiplication skills for life.

If you feel your child could use a little extra support with their times tables, we at NumberWorks’nWords would love to help. Contact your nearest centre today to book a free, no-obligation assessment.