Children use their times table knowledge in all areas of maths. It is used in short and long division, short and long multiplication, with fractions, they make mental arithmetic quicker and more fluent, as well as percentages, area, volume and even shape. Times tables are not just used in the classroom but in real life; a child knowing their times tables makes them more confident in their own maths ability.

Year 4 children are required by the Government to complete a Multiplication Times-Table Check (MTC) in the Summer Term. They are given a total of 25 randomly selected questions and have 6 seconds to answer the question, before it automatically moves onto the next question.

“The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided.” www.gov.uk

Within school, children practise their times tables, beginning in Year 1 where they count in multiples of 2, 5 and 10, to year 4 where they need all times-tables and division facts up to 12 x 12. They then continue to use these times-table facts in Year 5 and 6, where they apply this knowledge to more complex methods in maths. In Year 4, children practise their times tables using a variety of methods including, Times Tables RockStars as an early morning task and straight after lunch.

To support children and parents are home, here are a variety of websites which can be used as a fun, engaging ways to practise times-tables:

• https://ttrockstars.com/ (or using the app)
• https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
• https://www.mathsisfun.com/
• https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/7/multiplication-and-division
• https://www.maths-games.org/times-tables-games.html
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To view a practise version of the MTC, please follow this link:

https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check

Please also see the following document from the DfE, outlining further parent information.