1. A few memorisation strategies …which might work for you! Please suggest others in the Comment box at the end of the blog post.

2. Learning times tables write a times table out over and over again (concentrating on it, not writing it mechanically); use look-cover-test-check (Look carefully at a particular times table, then cover it, try to write it out then check if correct); look at the times table and then close your eyes and try to see it in your head (photographic memory); look for patterns in times tables – see the patterns in the 9 x table (see next slide).

3. 9 times table – looking for patterns! 1 x 9 = 9 2 x 9 = 18 3 x 9 = 27 4 x 9 = 36 5 x 9 = 45 * Up to 10 x 9, all the answers always add up to 9 * See how the numbers in the answer invert 6 x 9 = 54 * 7 x 9 = 63 8 x 9 = 72 9 x 9 = 81 10 x 9 = 90 11 x 9 = 99 12 x 9 = 108

4. put post-its with the mathematical questions on them, (with answer on back so you can check) all round the house – on fridge, on doors, on drawers. You cant open the door etc until you have answered the question on the post it; make a sound file of a times table and questions and listen to it on a journey. Answer them in your head; try to put a times table to a well-known tune or rhythm; get a friend/ colleague/ parent to test you prepare a quiz or questions as if you were going to teach the work to a friend or colleague. (You dont actually have to administer the test – just thinking it through is a learning experience!)

5. These strategies (and others) can be used for other topics!

6. Multiplication tricks: http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/timestable/tricks.html http://process.arts.ac.uk/content/how-learn-your-times-tables-top-tips-and- tricks http://process.arts.ac.uk/content/how-learn-your-times-tables-top-tips-and- tricks