Learning path · Times tables

Find the groups before chasing the answer.

A multiplication fact describes equal groups. Build or draw those groups, connect a new fact to one you know, then practise without a timer.

Explore the times-table chart Try untimed practice

Before you begin

A useful starting point

Can the learner count a small set accurately, make equal groups and add two groups together? Start there. Counters, buttons or pencil marks work; skip-counting can grow out of moving one whole group at a time.

If repeated addition is unfamiliar, use three groups of two first. Say “2 + 2 + 2 is 6” before introducing the multiplication sign. You do not need a particular age or an entire table memorised to begin.

Worked example

Worked example: 6 × 4 without guessing

Six rows of four dots: five rows make 20, and one more row of four makes 24.

Build the meaning

Draw six rows of four dots. Count 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24. There are 24 dots, so 6 × 4 = 24.

Turn the paper. It now shows four rows of six, still 24 dots. This explains why 6 × 4 and 4 × 6 have the same answer, even though the grouping story can differ.

Use a fact you know

Cover the last row. Five rows of four give 5 × 4 = 20. Uncover one more row of four: 20 + 4 = 24.

Write the connection: 6 × 4 = (5 × 4) + 4. If the answer is forgotten later, this is a way to reconstruct it rather than starting again at one.

Practice plan

A small plan for one table

  1. Choose one: begin with a table that has some familiar facts. On the interactive chart, highlight it and look for a pattern.
  2. Explain two: draw an array for a known fact and its neighbour, such as 5 × 4 and 6 × 4. Ask what changed.
  3. Try three: choose the same table in Multiplication Practice. Its typed-answer drill is untimed. Counting or sketching is allowed.
  4. Check and pause: revisit one uncertain answer with objects. Finish by making a real equal-group arrangement away from the screen.

Use roughly five minutes as a planning guide, not a target to beat. Leave unfamiliar facts for another session rather than working through every table in one sitting.

When it is tricky

When the answer does not make sense

Adding the two numbers?

If 6 × 4 becomes 10, return to six groups with four in each. Compare that picture with one group of six and one of four. They tell different stories.

Ready for larger numbers?

Use Column Multiplication after place value and single-digit products are familiar. For 23 × 4, connect 20 × 4 and 3 × 4 before writing a column method.

The Math Speed Quiz is an optional timed challenge. It is not the starting point for this path, and no speed score is needed before moving to equal sharing and division.