Column methods and times tables
Which times table is your fastest?
Do you answer some tables faster than others, and does practice change it?
Watch first
A catchy song that helps you learn your 8 times table fast.
What you need
Tick each one as you find it — 0 of 3 ready.
Plan the fair test
- Change: Which times table you are answering
- Measure: Seconds taken for twelve facts
- Keep the same: Same twelve facts, same order, same rest between rounds, answers spoken not written
Objectives this evidences
- Recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 × 12
- Recognise and use factor pairs and commutativity in mental calculations
Do it, one step at a time
Step 1 of 5
- Step 1. Write twelve facts from the 3 times table on cards, then twelve from the 7s and twelve from the 9s.
- Step 2. Shuffle the 3s and time yourself answering all twelve out loud. Write the time down.
- Step 3. Do the same for the 7s and the 9s, resting for a minute in between so you are not tired.
- Step 4. Practise only your slowest table for five minutes, using pairs and doubling tricks.
- Step 5. Time all three tables again in the same order and compare the two sets of times in a table.
What should happen
The 3s are usually quickest and the 7s slowest. Five minutes of focused practice on one table really does show up in the second timing.
Think about: Which facts did you get stuck on? Those are the ones worth practising tomorrow, not the ones you know.
Write up your result
A sentence or two is enough to save it.
The lessons behind this practical
Each one opens with the same short film, and the film has a written transcript underneath if reading is easier than watching.
Now the quiz for this topic
Questions come from the lessons behind this practical, so nothing is asked that has not been taught.
Quiz
Column methods and times tables quiz
14 questions from the lessons in this stage. No timer, and you can try again as many times as you like.