Helping Your Child Master the Times Tables: the Importance of Repetition and Testing

As a parent, you naturally want your child to maximise his or her potential at school. One area where many children struggle is with the introduction of multiplication. This single area of study is the basis for many other areas of mathematics and, without a solid understanding of this building block in the early school years, a child may struggle with math right throughout his or her schooling.

One area that a parent should understand well is repetition and testing. After a child has a basic understanding of the concepts involved in multiplication, the times tables are often best learned through memorisation. According to Dr. Phillip R Rosenkrantz of the California State Polytechnic University, spaced repetition and timed testing help to internalise the rules the child is trying to learn.

Teaching the times tables with repetition

There are many tools to help a child learn through repetition. Simple flash cards, store-bought charts or a range of homemade materials may be suitable. Software (such as our own Times Tables Tutor) can also be a very effective solution as it adds other important learning elements such as visual cues, color coding and the fun factor.

Whatever learning tools you choose, here are some tips to help get you started:

1. Set a time each day for practice, and stick to it. This ensures that your child gets study time each day, and also lets him or her know how important you think these activities are. Ensure that distractions, such as TV and  video games, are out of the picture during study time.
   
2. Along with using a range of visual learning aids, talk to your child about math. When they do not understand basic concepts, such as some aspect of the times tables, work with them to gain a better understanding.
   
3. Begin with single number groups (e.g. 1 x 1, 1 x 2, 1 x 3, etc). As they master one number group, move onto the next.
   

Repetitive testing as a learning tool

Repetition alone is not enough for most students. Adding elements of testing at regular intervals, however, is vitally important. When you are just starting out, stick with the number groups that you are working with on that day. As your child progresses, however, begin to test random groups of equations from the times tables.

The element of testing adds reward to their hard work. It is human nature to be pleased when you find you have it right. This is especially so as children are learning. It is vitally important, therefore, to give your child positive feedback as he or she makes progress, just as it is crucial to display understanding when they seem to be struggling. Doing so will help to keep the whole learning experience a positive one.

Using a combination of repetition and testing each day will ensure your child learns the times tables more quickly and more effectively. Memorisation of these basic building blocks is paramount to success in mathematics all through school and later life.