Teaching a new year group can be a wild ride. Plus, at the end of the year, the pupils will be formally tested in the Multiplication Tables Check.
But fear not! We've got your back with some epic transition tips that'll have you rocking Year 4!
TIP 1 - SET A BASELINE
Do your year four pupils know their tables? Set a baseline so you can celebrate their achievements as the year progresses!
To build a picture of their current ability…
EITHER use the baseline page in each worksheet booklet
OR get them to complete an online assessment (called “Gigs” on TT Rock Stars).
Unsure how? This short video walks you through the steps:
TIP 2 - DITCH THE ADMIN
It’s tempting to track each pupil’s progress and set them specific tables to practise. But this could have you running in circles and you may inadvertently hold back pupils by not releasing new tables when they are ready.
Instead, put your feet up, and let our intelligent algorithm automatically adjust the facts given to each pupil. Time to embrace the tech that makes your job easier, after all, it’s been designed by caring teachers like you!
TIP 3 - FOLLOW THE EXPERTS
Join thousands of other year four teachers by following our recommended schedule right away. The monthly guide suggests how much practice in each game mode could make all your students a TT Rock Star!
Just keep one thing in mind: pupils who practise TTRS for 21 minutes over a week tend to get 25/25.
TIP 4 - PUT PARENTS AT EASE
Three practice questions, 25 multiplication questions, no pass mark. The Multiplication Tables Check might seem daunting to some parents, but it shouldn’t be, and you can help.
Familiarise yourself with the format by playing Soundcheck games or attend our “How to prepare for the MTC” webinars.
Then send a letter to parents or deliver an MTC workshop for parents.
TIP 5 - PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Three times a year, we open an “Officially Unofficial MTC” (OUMTC for short). Your pupils test their skills in an MTC simulator, in semi-test conditions, and you get to compare their results with the national average.
Find out about OUMTC enrolment in our MTC Hub below.
The first OUMTC starts on 2nd October 2023!
That’s it, you’re ready to crack year four, your students will ace the MTC and your rock alter-ego will be famous in your school!
Take a bow and have a biscuit. You deserve it.
