Times Tables Games for Kids

What Are Times Tables in Math?

A times table of a number is a list of multiples of a number. Times tables, also known as multiplication tables, are a systematic tabular arrangement of multiples of numbers. 

Times table of a number usually shows the products of multiplying the number by the integers from 1 to 10. In simple words, times tables consist of multiplication facts from 1 to 10, showing all possible products when multiplying two numbers within that range. 

Times tables are extremely useful in mathematics when teaching important multiplication concepts and properties.

Times Tables for Numbers 1 to 5

Here’s a chart that displays times tables for numbers 1 to 5.
 

What Are Multiplication Facts?

Multiplication facts are the basic mathematical or numerical expressions that result from multiplying two numbers together. For example, \(3 \times 5 = 15\) is a multiplication fact. It displays the product of two numbers, 3 and 5.

Times tables are organized lists or multiplication tables that display multiplication facts in a systematic way. They cover a specific range, such as 1 to 10 or 1 to 20, and show all possible products for those numbers. For example, the times table for 3 includes multiplication facts of 3 like \(3 \times 1 = 3,\; 3 \times 2 = 6\), and so on.

Explore a variety of fun Multiplication Facts Games for kids online packed with fun activities and engaging exercises! You can also explore Multiplication Facts Worksheets to practice multiplication facts!

How to Memorize Times Tables

Memorizing times tables can be made easier through consistent practice and fun techniques:

• Reading and writing in synch: This is an effective way to learn times tables since it allows kids to write the multiplication facts, make sense of the numbers in the multiplication, and understand the patterns of the numbers obtained in the products.
• Repetition: Start with one table at a time and repeat it regularly until memorized.
• Use Rhymes and Songs: Many children find it helpful to sing times tables, as catchy jingles and rhymes can make the facts easier to remember.
• Flashcards: Create flashcards with the multiplication fact on one side and the answer on the other. Review them frequently. Display these charts in classrooms and at home.
• Grouping similar facts: Group similar multiplication facts together and memorize them as a group. 
• Focusing on the concept: It's always the best approach to focus on the logic behind creating times tables of numbers, rather than rote memorization.
• Understanding the patterns: Identify and understand the patterns in the times tables so that it becomes easier to memorize and recall multiplication facts.

Remember that consistency is the key. With regular practice, children can successfully memorize times tables. Also, note that simply memorizing the tables is not the aim here, understanding the core multiplication concepts behind it should be the ultimate goal! Multiplication table memorization games can prove to be an effective way to learn, practice, and master times tables.

Important Patterns in Times Tables

Times tables show various patterns. Here are a few:

• Multiplication by 1: Multiplying any number by the number 1 results in the number itself.
• Multiples of 2: The product of any number with the number 2 is always an even number. Similarly, the multiples of 4, 6, 8, and 10 are all even because they can all be decomposed into two equal groups. 
• Square numbers: Multiplying a number by itself results in a square number, which occurs along the diagonal of times tables.
• Commutative Property: The commutative property holds true for multiplication, meaning that the order of numbers being multiplied does not affect the product. For example, \(3 \times 4\) is the same as 4  3, resulting in the same product (12).
• Multiples of 5: Multiplying numbers ending in 5 results in products ending in 5 or 0.
• Multiples of 10: All the multiples of 10 end with 0.
• Doubles: Doubling a number is the same as adding it to itself. (For example, \(3 + 3 = 2 \times 3 = 6\)). The doubles (multiples of 2) in a multiplication table fall on horizontal and vertical lines.
• Skip counting: On a multiplication chart, the products in each row and column increase by the same amount.

Manipulatives used for Teaching TOPIC (Pick from old content, if relevant)

The concept of multiplication can be introduced using math manipulatives like links, blocks, and checkers. These can be used to show repeated addition as well as grouping.

• Multiplication as Repeated Addition:
  
  
   
• Rectangular Arrays:

Another manipulative for multiplication is rectangular arrays.

Array 1 represents the multiplication fact \(4 \times 2 = 8\).

Array 2 represents the multiplication fact \(3 \times 4 = 12\).

Array 3 represents the multiplication fact \(5 \times 3 = 15\).

• Area Model of Multiplication:

Area models are similar to multiplication arrays.


 

Progression of Times Tables Concepts with Grades

Let’s take an overview of various concepts associated with Times Tables.
 

How Can Children Use Times Tables in Real Life?

Engage kids in simple yet fun activities mentioned below to teach them the real-life relevance of times tables:

• Calculating totals from equal groups: If you have 3 boxes of cookies, each containing 10 cookies, you can use the times tables of 3 (or 10), and calculate the total number of cookies as \(3 \times 10 = 10 \times 3 = 30\)
• Calculating the total price: Encourage kids to calculate total prices when shopping. If you buy 5 items each worth $2, then you can use the times table of 2 (or 5) and calculate the total price, which is \(5 \times \$2 = \$10\).
• Calculating the total number of stairs: Help kids count the number of stairs using times tables. If a building has 4 staircases each having 8 stairs, the total number of stairs would be \(8 \times 4 = 32\).

Importance of Introducing Times Tables to Kids through Games

• Active Engagement: Times table games for kids make learning times tables enjoyable by using fun themes, colorful visuals, and attractive characters. This keeps children focused and motivated to master multiplication facts.
• Independent Learning: Through times tables games online, kids participate in various fun activities and try to learn on their own. Interactive games provide immediate feedback, reinforcing correct answers and helping kids remember times tables more effectively.
• Retention: Multiplication times table games often incorporate repetition and variation, helping kids in the retention of times tables through consistent practice. Through fun jingles and fun puzzles, kids grasp the concepts easily.
• Visual Learning: Times tables games use engaging visual elements and patterns, making it easier for kids to visualize and understand the relationships between numbers in times tables. Times table practice games can be used for practicing multiplication facts effectively.

Learning Times Tables: Math Times Tables Games vs. Traditional Method

• Learning times tables simply by memorizing them through textbooks can be a very boring experience for kids. Online times tables math games are interactive and engaging, maintaining children's interest and motivation.
• Times tables online games that provide immediate feedback encourage kids to correct their answers and learn from their mistakes. This is not possible in traditional settings.
• Online math games offer fun challenges, puzzles, and activities to reinforce every small concept related to times tables. This approach is not possible with textbook learning.
• Understanding and visualizing patterns in times tables is much easier through games than conventional methods. Kids can understand number relationships effortlessly through colorful patterns visible on screens.

What Are the 5 Best Fun Games and Activities for Kids on Times Tables?

Here are 5 fun online times tables games for kids offered by SplashLearn:

1. Times Tables of 2 on Multiplication Chart Game
2. Patterns in Multiplication by 2 Game
3. Times Tables of 3 Game
4. Multiplication Facts of 4 Game
5. Products of 6 Game