Homework Help – Times Tables Stack

This is starting to turn into a series! I tried to write a long post about the different steps to learning times tables with ideas for each stage – but it ended up being really dull! So instead I’m sharing a game we’ve been playing.

Times table stack - a game for practising times tables

Times Table Stack

(I didn’t invent this game – if you search for ‘bump game’ in pinterest you will find hundreds of versions. We prefer to ‘stack’ rather than ‘bump’ but the process is the same.)

You need

  • 1 piece of paper with 12 circles on
  • A 12 sided dice or 2 ordinary dice

Yes we actually have a 12 sided dice (my husband was/is a proper nerd) Also I am aware that 1 dice is a die but it looks weird to me!

Times table stack - a game for practising times tables

  • Two sets of  around 15 counters

We used 1ps and 5ps – you could use drought game pieces or ‘connect four’ pieces etc. If you don’t have exactly 15 it doesn’t matter as long as you have the same number each.

Instructions

  • Ask the child to write the answers to which ever times table you are practising randomly in the circles

You can skip this stage if you want and print out a game board but it’s quite nice for the child to make their own plus it is a good way to ‘warm up’

  • Take it in turns to roll the dice and multiply the number on the dice by whatever times table you are practising. Place your counter on the answer.
  • If the answer already has a counter on it stack it on top.
  • When you have both  used all of your counters the game is over
  •  Count up the number of circles with your counter on the top. (The winner is the one with the most – or the least, or whatever you want really 😉 )

Times table stack - a game for practising times tables

 

Hints and Tips

  • Currently in the UK children are expected to know by heart times tables up to 12×12 – check with your child’s teacher which ones to focus on. In general I would start with 2s,10s, 5s then the rest in order starting from 3s

 

  • This game works best if the child at least knows  some of the times table already – if they’re really struggling write out the times table so they can refer to it – it will still help their memory.

 

  • As the ‘other player’ it’s good to describe out loud how you’ve got your answer – e.g. 7×2 – well I know 5×2 is 10, so 6×2 must be 12 so 7 x 2 must be 14.  You can also pretend you can’t figure out the answer at all. (Don’t do this every time or the game is really dull!!)

More ideas

Other posts I’ve written on Homework

My Homework Help Pinterest board 

 

 

Tammymum
This entry was posted in Homework help, Primary School Children (5-10). Bookmark the permalink.

7 Responses to Homework Help – Times Tables Stack

  1. How fun! I’ll save this for when Peanut is older 🙂
    Rachel – Volcano Mama recently posted…How to Make Positive Reinforcement Helpful: A Montessori PerspectiveMy Profile

  2. Love this idea. I love the fact that it’s a game but the child is learning as they play too.I was always useless at maths so maybe I could play this by myself to practice for when my daughter is old enough haha.
    #FamilyFun
    Sam – StressyMama recently posted…Baffled Blogger… Send HelpMy Profile

  3. Tammymum says:

    What a great idea! We literally just used to sit at the table and recite them. All hail Pinterest eh. I will defineitly be looking into cool activities like this when mine are older. Good on you for trying to make it fun and thank you for sharing st #familyfun
    Tammymum recently posted…#FamilyFun…week 13My Profile

  4. This is a really good idea! We used to do something similar at brownies where they had to find the next number in a sequence, so not quite the same. My mum taught me with a pack of cards. Draw one card times it by the next. I’ll get my little talking first!! Thanks for linking up to #familyfun
    Karen | TwoTinyHands recently posted…#FamilyFun Week 13My Profile

    • Beth at Bamm Boo says:

      lol is he not multiplying yet – you’re clearly slacking 😉

      Thanks for you comment and for hosting 🙂

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