In Year 4, the children sit their Multiplication Tables Check in June. This consists of 25 times tables questions up to 12×12 and the children have 6 seconds to answer each question. The checks will be taken online during school time.
The Government made the check compulsory in 2022 stating,
‘The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics.’
Having rapid recall of times tables makes other areas of maths much easier. Fractions is the most obvious area where learning times tables well is essential. However, every multiplication, division, long multiplication method and short division and long division method require speed and instant recall of times tables. Furthermore, having the tables secure frees up their working memory for newer, more challenging tasks at hand. So learning them now, in year 4, sets children up for a more successful maths career later in their school life.
What can you do to help your child learn their times tables?
Each half term, your child’s heatmap will be sent home. This can also be accessed by logging in to your child’s account> Stats> Fluency. This shows their current recall time for each of the times tables facts. The greener the fact, the quicker the response time. Any facts shown in red or orange are slower than 5 seconds, and should be practised.
How can you help them improve their recall times?
There are lots of ways to learn times tables, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
● Make sure they play daily in Garage mode on Times Tables Rocks Stars – The Garage game mode is very clever and will adjust the questions your child is asked, ensuring they are always working on the facts they need to improve.
● Sing times tables songs. There are hundreds available!
● Chanting the old-fashioned way- rehearse the tables forwards and backwards, gradually increasing in speed.
● Regular practice on the MTC on Arithmagicians.
● Write out the tables – This can be in the form of a simple list or you could also be a bit more fun. Being creative will make writing and learning the tables more enjoyable.
• Write the facts as the petals of a flower;
• Get them to test you on the facts and get them wrong on purpose and see if they correct you!
• Treasure Hunt: Hide the facts around the house and give them the answers. Can they find them in record time?
• Take a pot of water and a paintbrush outside to ‘paint’ the facts on a wall.
• Use chalks to write the facts outside in giant numbers.
Times tables are important, but it should be an enjoyable experience learning them!