Jen from our Enrichment Team shares three fun tips to help you ensure that your children’s core times tables skills don’t get rusty (NumBots shoutout!) over the Christmas break.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to strike a balance between relaxation and keeping your child’s skills sharp. While it’s crucial to let them unwind and enjoy the festivities, a little bit of practice can go a long way in maintaining times tables proficiency. So, let’s dive in and discover how to rock those times tables whilst also embracing the holiday spirit!
TIP 1: SHINE A LIGHT ON THE PROGRESS WITH THE HEATMAP
Once your child has started using Times Tables Rock Stars, they can head to their profile, click on ‘My Stats’ page and click on ‘Fluency’. Here, you’ll find a colourful heatmap that showcases your child’s recall time for each multiplication fact. The ‘greener’ the fact, the quicker the response time, indicating strong proficiency. However, any fact shown in red or orange indicates slower recall times, usually longer than five seconds.
Spend some quality time with your child exploring the heatmap together. Celebrate the tables they have already mastered and high five their achievements. Identify the tables that need a bit more practice and make it a fun challenge to improve those recall times. By using the heatmap as a visual guide, you can help them focus on the facts that require a little more attention.
TIP 2: ROLL THOSE NUMBERS WITH A MUSICAL TWIST!
Did you know that times tables can groove to a beat? Introduce your child to the exciting world of ‘Rolling Numbers’, a high-octane, call-and-response times tables chant. This rhythmic approach adds a fun and interactive element to learning multiplication facts. You and your child can create a rocking karaoke performance together, complete with catchy tunes and energetic movements!
Let the music ignite your child’s passion for numbers! Click on the button below for more fun learning!
TIP 3: SCATTER NATTER FOR A TEA-TIME BRAIN BOOST
Here’s how it works: Download a Scatter Table by clicking on either of the images above. We have both full colour and reduced colour options. Take turns with your child calling out questions from that table. Your child’s task is to quickly point to the correct answer on the scatter table. For instance, if you ask ‘9 times 5’, your child points to 45. Make it lively and interactive, and don’t forget to celebrate each correct answer!
By incorporating Scatter Tables into your tea-time routine, you can create a relaxed and enjoyable environment for practising times tables. Plus, who can resist the combination of learning, laughter, and delicious food, especially over the holidays?
Time to boss those tables at home…
By utilising the heatmaps, embracing the musical magic of Rolling Numbers, and engaging in some Scatter Tables, you will create an enjoyable learning experience at home, whilst also reaffirming those times tables!
Enjoy a restful holiday season!