How can I make times tables stick?

Teaching answer · Maths

How can I make times tables stick?

Short answer: Make times tables stick with short daily practice, teaching the facts in a smart order (2s, 10s, 5s, then build up), and linking multiplication to division and to visual arrays. Mix speed practice with reasoning so students understand the facts, not just recall them.
Daily practiceFact fluencyArraysReasoning

Resources that help

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Step by step

How to do it in the classroom

  1. Anchor the concept concretelyStart with models and visuals so number ideas make sense before symbols.
  2. Practise fluencyTargeted practice builds speed and accuracy with core facts and methods.
  3. Apply to problemsWord problems and reasoning tasks show maths in real contexts.
  4. Check and address gapsAnswer keys and quick checks make reteaching precise.

Key focus points

What to build in

  • Number sense & place value
  • Addition & subtraction
  • Multiplication & division
  • Measurement & shape
  • Word problems & reasoning

Make it work for everyone

Differentiation & assessment

Scaffolded practice pages and worked examples support pupils who need more time, while reasoning and challenge questions extend confident mathematicians — all with answer keys for self-marking or stations.

Quick answers

Related questions

How can I make times tables stick?

Make times tables stick with short daily practice, teaching the facts in a smart order (2s, 10s, 5s, then build up), and linking multiplication to division and to visual arrays. Mix speed practice with reasoning so students understand the facts, not just recall them.

What order should I teach times tables in?

Start with 2s, 5s and 10s, then use known facts to derive others — building on patterns is faster than random memorising.

Speed drills or understanding first?

Both — understanding through arrays and patterns makes the facts meaningful, and short timed practice then builds automatic recall.

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