Using a Times Tables Grid

 

Supporting Number Confidence

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The Big Idea

A times tables grid helps learners:

• Find answers

• Spot patterns

• Build confidence

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What is a Times Tables Grid?

A times tables grid shows:

• Numbers across the top

• Numbers down the side

• Answers in the middle

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Example

Find:

4 × 3

Step 1:
Find 4 on the left.

Step 2:
Find 3 across the top.

Step 3:
Follow the row and column.

Answer:

12

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Why This Helps

Learners do not need to hold every fact in memory.

They can:

• Look it up

• Check their work

• Learn patterns naturally

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Important Message

Using a grid is not cheating.

It is a learning tool.

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Final Message

Confidence comes before memorisation.

Finding Patterns in Times Tables

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The 2 Times Table

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12...

Pattern:

Add 2 each time.

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The 5 Times Table

5, 10, 15, 20, 25...

Pattern:

Numbers end in:

• 0

• 5

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The 10 Times Table

10, 20, 30, 40...

Pattern:

Add a zero.

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The 9 Times Table

09
18
27
36
45
54
63
72
81
90

Pattern:

The digits add to 9.

Examples:

1 + 8 = 9

2 + 7 = 9

3 + 6 = 9

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Square Numbers

1 × 1 = 1

2 × 2 = 4

3 × 3 = 9

4 × 4 = 16

5 × 5 = 25

These form a special pattern.

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Final Message

Patterns help numbers make sense.

Times Table Grid Activities

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Activity 1

Pick a card:

7 × 4

Use the grid to find the answer.

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Activity 2

Find the answer first.

Example:

28

Now find:

• 7 × 4

• 4 × 7

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Activity 3

Spot the Pattern

Circle:

• all the multiples of 2

• all the multiples of 5

• all the multiples of 10

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Activity 4

Colour the Grid

Use colours:

• Multiples of 2 = blue

• Multiples of 5 = green

• Multiples of 10 = red

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Key Message

Colour helps learners see patterns.

Teacher Notes

Supporting Learners with Times Tables

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Common Mistake

Teachers sometimes remove support too early.

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Better Practice

Allow learners to:

• Use a multiplication grid

• Use number lines

• Use counters

• Use visual supports

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Why This Matters

Some learners:

• Have working memory difficulties

• Have dyscalculia

• Experience maths anxiety

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Teaching Goal

The goal is understanding.

The goal is not memorisation alone.

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Example

A learner who uses a grid successfully is learning maths.

They are not failing.

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Final Message

Support should be reduced only when the learner is ready.

🧠 VISUAL EXAMPLE OF A MULTIPLICATION GRID

Many learners remember something similar to this:

×	1	2	3	4	5
1	1	2	3	4	5
2	2	4	6	8	10
3	3	6	9	12	15
4	4	8	12	16	20
5	5	10	15	20	25

Notice:

• 4 × 3 = 12
• 3 × 4 = 12

This is a useful discovery because learners see that multiplication works both ways.

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🔥 A REALLY IMPORTANT POINT FOR YOUR BOOK

You mentioned having one of these in the back of your maths book.

Many adults remember these grids because they provided:

• security
• independence
• a way to check answers
• reduced anxiety

For some learners, the grid is not just a reference sheet.

It is an accessibility tool, much like:

• a reading ruler
• coloured overlays
• spell check
• speech-to-text software

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