Multiplication facts

As your child is currently in Year 4, they will be the first cohort to officially complete the new national multiplication tables check (MTC) in June 2020. The current national curriculum specifies that pupils should be taught to recall the multiplication tables up to and including 12 × 12 by the end of year 4. The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether our pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. The MTC will also help us to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided in Year 5 and 6.

The tests will happen in June 2020, when we will have a 3-week window to administer the MTC. We will have the flexibility to administer the check to individual pupils, small groups or a whole class at the same time, in order to suit individual needs. A parent information evening will be arranged in the Spring Term, to share further information. A notification regarding this will be sent out closer to the time.

In order to support them in developing fluency and understanding, we are sending home a times tables sheet for the children to practice at home. We will be assessing their knowledge each week using 'Cracking Times Tables'. We will send home a note with the level at which your child is currently working on and ask that they practice these tables in order to progress.

Some of the techniques you can use with your child include:

  • Practising times tables by rote.
  • Asking your child multiplication questions out of order – such as ‘What is 5x6? What is 11x12?’ Not just counting in a sequence, e.g. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18….
  • Using arrays to help your child memorise and visualise times tables – you can use fun objects like sweeties or Lego bricks to make it more entertaining.
  • Using apps and games on your smart phones and tablets, or see https://www.educationalappstore.com/best-apps/best-times-tables-apps-for-5-to-11-year-olds for further ideas.
  • The Top Marks Maths website, has a variety of multiplication games available to play https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/times-tables
  • Times table songs can be found easily on YouTube, but please search and check videos before sharing with your child.
  • Mathletics has songs, which you can watch at home. You can find these by clicking on ‘Explore’, then ‘Videos

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