As educators, we know that mathematics isn’t just about numbers. It’s a life skill that helps children navigate the world with confidence. At the heart of mathematical understanding lies multiplication, a foundational skill that supports future success in division, fractions, algebra, and more.
If you’re a parent or carer, you might be wondering how best to support your child’s learning at home.
The good news is that mastering multiplication doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right strategies, it can be engaging, empowering, and even fun.
1. Mastering Multiplication Through Meaningful Learning
Children learn best when learning feels natural, dynamic, and relevant. That’s why one of the best ways to help your child master multiplication is through meaningful, visual, and hands-on strategies:
- Place a colourful multiplication chart where your child studies—on a wall, desk, or bedroom door.
- Use flashcards with pictures, arrays, or puzzles to boost engagement.
- Try using stickers, magnetic numbers, or dry-erase boards to make learning feel interactive.
These approaches lay the foundation for long-term maths confidence.
2. Use Music & Movement
Did you know that rhythm and melody help cement multiplication facts in memory? For this reason, fun multiplication strategies for kids often involve music and movement:
- Sing times tables to catchy tunes—perfect for car rides or bedtime.
- Clap, hop, or dance while reciting multiplication facts.
These brain-friendly methods help children associate multiplication with positive, lasting experiences.
3. Turn Learning into Play
When learning feels like play, motivation skyrockets. Here are some easy, low-prep games to practise multiplication at home:
- Multiplication Bingo: Match equations to answers on a bingo card.
- Dice Games: Roll two dice, multiply the numbers, and keep score.
- Online Programs: Use interactive digital platforms for self-paced learning.
These activities make teaching times tables at home both fun and effective.
4. Apply Brain-Based Strategies
Research in cognitive science shows how to make learning more effective and long-lasting.
- Spacing Effect: Encourage short, daily practice (10 minutes) instead of long weekly cramming.
- Active Recall: Ask your child to teach you a times table or quiz themselves.
- Chunking: Group similar tables together (e.g., 2s, 4s, and 8s) and master one chunk before moving to the next.
This helps children build multiplication confidence step by step.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Speed
Every child learns at their own pace. Focusing only on speed can increase pressure, while recognising progress and effort builds long-term motivation:
- Turn multiplication practice into a celebration of growth, not pressure.
- Use stickers, reward charts, or encouraging words to build confidence.
- Help your child feel proud of every improvement, no matter how big or small.
This approach nurtures a growth mindset in maths—an essential part of helping children succeed.
Let’s Build Confidence Through Connection
By creating a supportive and joyful learning environment, you’re not just helping your child remember multiplication facts. You’re nurturing a love of learning that will last far beyond the classroom.
Let’s turn frustration into fluency and repetition into real retention.