When it comes to building strong maths skills, one of the most powerful things a student can do is practise their times tables. It might sound old-school, but knowing your multiplication facts inside and out gives you a serious advantage — not just in primary school, but all the way through high school maths.
Why Times Tables Matter More Than You Think
Times tables are the foundation of many important maths concepts. Once students have them memorised, everything else becomes that much easier. Whether you’re simplifying fractions, working with ratios, calculating area and volume, or solving algebraic equations, having quick recall of multiplication facts saves time and brainpower.
Without that automatic recall, students often get bogged down in basic calculations, which can make more complex problems feel overwhelming. In contrast, confident times table knowledge allows students to focus on the strategy behind the problem instead of the simple arithmetic.
Still Important in High School? Absolutely.
Some students assume that once they’ve “graduated” from Year 6, they can leave times tables behind. But here’s the truth: high school maths expects fast number skills. From expanding algebraic expressions to manipulating equations and interpreting data, mental maths plays a key role — and strong times table recall is at the heart of it.
It’s not uncommon to see students in Year 9 or 10 struggle through algebra because they’re still unsure of their basic facts. It’s like trying to write an essay while struggling to spell simple words — the thinking becomes harder than it needs to be.
Just a Few Minutes a Day Makes a Difference
The good news? It doesn’t take hours of study. Just 5–10 minutes a day of focused practice can make a noticeable difference. Use flashcards, apps, songs, or even quick-fire quizzes. Make it fun, make it regular, and celebrate progress.
Parents can help by turning practice into a game — whether it’s a race against the clock or a challenge to beat yesterday’s score. For older students, remind them that speed and accuracy now will save them precious minutes (and marks) in exams later.
The Bottom Line
Times tables are more than a primary school milestone — they’re a lifelong maths tool. Investing a little time each day now can unlock confidence and success across all areas of mathematics.
So pick a times table, practise it, and build that strong maths foundation one fact at a time. You’ve got this!
#MrDTeaches #MathsConfidence #BackToBasics #MultiplicationMatters
