Scaffolding the Teaching of Times Tables
Learning multiplication facts is a cornerstone of number fluency. But teaching times tables isn’t about rote memorisation anymore—it’s about building understanding, recognising patterns, and equipping students with strategies they can use across mathematics. The Australian Curriculum progression provides a clear pathway, and when followed strategically, it ensures students master multiplication in a meaningful way.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you teach times tables strategically across the year levels in primary school.
1. Build Strong Number Foundations (Foundation–Year 2)
Before times tables ever appear, students need to:
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Recognise number sequences and patterns.
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Skip count in 2s, 5s, and 10s from zero.
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Understand that zero is a number.
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Partition numbers using place value.
Why this matters: A deep grasp of patterns and place value helps students see multiplication as repeated addition, not just recall. Rushing this stage creates gaps that make later times table learning harder
You can use this free Skip Counting Jellyfish in our Free Resources Library to get you started!
2. Introduce Multiplication Conceptually (Year 3)
Students begin with:
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2, 5, and 10 times tables through skip counting, arrays, number lines, and repeated addition.
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The commutative property (e.g., 5 × 2 = 2 × 5).
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Using doubles for 2s (and later 4s).
Classroom tip: Always reinforce “groups of” language and provide hands-on experiences with counters, drawings, or blocks. This builds meaning behind the multiplication symbol.
These free Fact Family Houses are a great way for students to explore the commutative properties of multiplication and division:
3. Strengthen With Patterns and Links (Year 3–4)
Once students are confident with 2, 5, and 10, progress to:
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3s: link to skip counting and word problems.
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4s: use doubles of 2s.
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6s: build from 5s by adding one more group.
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9s: connect to 10s (subtract one group).
Why this works: Each new set connects to a known fact, reducing cognitive load and promoting strategic thinking.
Not confident on how to do this effectively? We’ve done the thinking for you! in our Year 3 and Year 4 Multiplication Facts Units:
4. Develop Automatic Recall Gradually
By the end of Year 4, students should confidently recall multiplication facts to 10 × 10. Encourage:
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Daily short practice sessions (flash cards, quick quizzes, skip-count chants).
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Games like bingo, dice races, or digital tools once understanding is in place.
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Revisiting earlier tables often to build automaticity.
Note: Automatic recall comes after conceptual understanding, not before.
A great way to practise recall is through games. And yes, we’ve got you sorted in that department as well with our multiplication facts games bundle!
5. Tackle the “Tricky” Facts (Years 4–5)
The final facts are often 7 × 7, 8 × 7, and 8 × 8. Instead of rote learning only, use strategies:
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Arrays and repeated addition.
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Linking to near-known facts (e.g., 7 × 8 = (7 × 7) + 7).
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Visual flash cards for extra repetition.
Classroom tip: Place these tricky facts on a “fact wall” or by the door for quick recall practice
My students always loved additional practise with these Fortune Teller foldables!
6. Apply Knowledge Beyond the Tables
From Year 5 onward, multiplication knowledge underpins:
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Division as the inverse operation.
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Factors and multiples.
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Multiplying multi-digit numbers using place value.
Students who have built understanding, not just memorisation, are better prepared to transfer these skills into fractions, algebra, and problem solving.
And we’ve got you covered to take multiplication further with our Year 5 and Year 6 multiplication units!
7. Keep Practice Fun and Ongoing
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Use chants, songs, and rhythm for recall.
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Create real-world word problems to link learning.
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Encourage competition in a positive way with games and challenges.
Here is a list of our favourite songs and chants from Youtube!
x2 – Can’t Stop that Feeling 2 Times Tables
x3 – Made You Look 3 Times Tables
x4 – I’m Still Standing 4 Times Tables
x5 – My Lighthouse 5 Times Tables
x6 – Shake it off 6 Times Tables
x7 – Bad Habits 7 Times Tables
x8 – Rolling in the Deep 8 Times Tables
x9 – Brave 9 Times Tables
x10 – Heat Waves 10 Times Tables
x11 – I Gotta Feeling 11 Times Tables
x12 – About Damn Time 12 Times Tables
We have listed a variety of other strategies to engage your budding mathematicians in this blog post – Multiply the Fun: Quick Tips for Times Table Learning in Your Classroom
Teaching times tables strategically isn’t about drilling facts until they “stick.” It’s about guiding students through a structured progression – starting with number sense, introducing multiplication conceptually, and building patterns that connect each new times table to something familiar.
By following this approach, you’ll help your students not only recall their facts but also understand multiplication deeply, setting them up for success in all areas of maths.
