This times tables KS2 resource features a range of PDFs and a spreadsheet that will help children ace the Year 4 times tables test. Resources include:
- Times tables posters, including 21 facts
- ‘Draw it, dissect it, derive it, deepen it’ worksheet
- ‘If I know’ FactorFactorProduct mat
- Interactive target boards
How to prepare for the Year 4 times tables test
Now is the time to review your learning strategies, says maths lead Steve Lomax…
In the DfE multiplication tables check (MTC) framework it states that the purpose of the Year 4 times tables test is to “determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics”.
While most wouldn’t disagree that pupils ‘knowing’ the times tables is important, assessing the rapid recall of only multiplication facts in an online test for example, 6 x 9 = _, will not achieve this ambition.
Many facts
A counterargument is that being able to know and apply multiplicative facts, or ‘factor-factor-product’ relationships, such as 6-9-54, is essential to future success in mathematics.
If a Y4 pupil knows 6-9-54 then they will know many, many facts – multiplication, division, place value, fractions – not just one multiplication fact!
You can adapt the CanDoMaths ‘If I know … then I also know’ FactorFactorProduct mat (included in this download) for other relationships such as 7/8/56.
The national curriculum states that by the end of Y4, pupils should have memorised their times table grid up to and including the 12 multiplication table and “show precision and fluency in their work.”
Mastering times tables
The DfE MTC assessment framework states that “it will help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided”.
Mastered the times tables – really? A pupil that knows the multiplicative relationships, and is able to use them to state related facts, has a ‘mastery’ – that is, a secure and deep understanding – and fluency – that is, accuracy, efficiency and flexibility – of the times tables.
I don’t think the same can be said for a pupil who can recall one isolated multiplication fact in the Year 4 times tables test, however quickly.
Teach Up, Keep Up
Many schools are now thinking carefully about the amount, and efficient use, of curriculum time for mathematics. They use a ‘TeachUpKeepUp’ structure to support both intelligent and deliberate practice: a shorter mathematics ‘Teach Up’ lesson (up to 45 minutes) to secure and deepen understanding of one small key learning point for all children plus an additional shorter ‘Keep Up’ Meeting (15 to 30 mins) to deliberately practise previous learning, arithmetical skills and/or immediate intervention.
Deliberate and purposeful practise of this skill is a perfect activity for a ‘Maths On Track’ meeting using a grid with different starting numbers, such as the one from Kangaroo Maths that randomly generates the starting numbers (included in this download).
This also supports future work on multiplication and division in Upper KS2, for example written methods for division, when finding the multiples of the divisor is often the barrier to success:
21 times table facts
If I know 3 x 7 = 21 then, by the commutative nature of multiplication, I also know 7 x 3 = 21.
Pupils creating a poster like this is a very empowering activity:
- Write out all the 1x to 10x (or 12x) tables.
- Cross out the related commutative fact, for example 2 x 1, 3 x 1, 3 x 2, etc.
- 100 facts are suddenly reduced to 55 facts.
- Take it one step further and cross out any facts related to 2x, 5x and 10x (end of KS1 age-related expectation) and 1x facts.
- Only 21 facts are left!
All of a sudden, all children are now empowered as they can remember 21 facts! You can also download free versions (included in this download).
Steve Lomax is the strategic mathematics lead of the Balcarras Teaching School, a nationally accredited NCETM professional development lead and teaching for mastery lead. He is the co-founder of Kangaroomaths and CanDoMaths. Follow him on Twitter at @MaxTheMaths.
More maths resources
- Simple 12×12 times table grid
- Times tables worksheets bumper pack