How to Remember Tables for Kids

Kids 8–12 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to help kids remember tables?

Before beginning multiplication table practice, it’s essential to prepare both the environment and materials to make learning effective and enjoyable. Choose a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions where the child feels comfortable and focused. Gather visual tools like colorful multiplication charts, flashcards, or printed worksheets. These visuals help children see patterns, such as the repeating endings in the 5s table or the doubling in the 2s.

Provide a notebook or paper for writing down tables and practicing problems. Writing helps develop muscle memory and reinforces learning. Additionally, choose or prepare some audio aids like songs or rhymes related to multiplication tables, which can be found online or created together. Consider using a timer to keep practice sessions brief—around 10 to 15 minutes—since shorter sessions maintain focus better.

Lastly, cultivate a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Let the child know that making mistakes is part of learning and that effort matters more than perfection. This mindset reduces anxiety and makes memorization more approachable. Having all these ready sets the stage for a smooth, engaging learning experience.

What are the step-by-step instructions to teach multiplication tables effectively?

1. Start with one table at a time: Begin with simpler tables like 2, 5, or 10. For example, say, “Today, we’ll focus on the 5 times table because it’s easy to count by fives.”
2. Explain what multiplication means: Use real-life examples children understand. For instance, “If you have 3 bags with 4 apples in each, how many apples do you have? That’s 3 times 4.”
3. Show the multiplication chart: Point to the relevant row while saying each multiplication fact aloud. For example, “5 times 1 is 5, 5 times 2 is 10,” and so forth.
4. Practice speaking the facts: Encourage the child to say the facts out loud with you. Repetition helps auditory memory. Use exact phrasing like, “Five times three equals fifteen.”
5. Use songs or rhymes: Play or sing songs that list the multiplication facts. For example, the “5 times table song” that rhymes and uses rhythm to make memorization easier.
6. Play simple multiplication games: Use flashcards for quick-fire question rounds, or play “multiplication bingo,” where kids cover the answers on their cards.
7. Review previously learned tables: Before learning a new table, ask the child to recite or write out the ones they already know. This reinforces retention.
8. Keep practice sessions short and frequent: For example, 10 minutes a day after school is often better than one long session.
9. Have the child write out the table: Writing each fact down helps kinesthetic learners remember. Use phrases like, “Write 5 x 4 = 20” while saying it aloud.
10. Provide positive feedback: Praise efforts with specific comments like, “Great job remembering the tricky 7 times 8!”

Each step supports a different learning sense—seeing, hearing, moving—which together help the child remember multiplication facts more effectively.

How can you tell if the child remembers the tables well?

You can tell the child is mastering their multiplication tables when they show confidence and speed in recalling facts without hesitation. For example, if you ask, “What’s 6 times 7?” they quickly respond “42” without pausing. They can also solve simple multiplication problems mentally, such as calculating the total cost of 4 packs of 3 pencils.

Observe if the child uses multiplication in everyday life, like doubling recipe ingredients or counting groups of toys, showing practical understanding. Another sign is reduced frustration during math homework and less frequent requests for help on multiplication problems.

You can conduct informal quizzes by mixing up questions or using flashcards. For example, quiz them by saying, “Tell me the answer to 8 times 9,” and note how quickly and accurately they respond. If they answer most questions confidently and correctly, it’s a good sign the tables are remembered.

Also, watch for the child’s attitude—are they enthusiastic or stressed? Positive feelings suggest comfort with the material. These indicators help you know when it’s time to move onto new tables or start applying multiplication in related math topics like division.

What to do when remembering tables gets difficult?

Struggling with multiplication is common and can be eased with patience and different approaches. If a child forgets or mixes up facts, try breaking down the tables into smaller chunks—for example, practice 2 facts per day instead of the whole table at once.

Use hands-on activities to make abstract numbers tangible. For instance, count out groups of objects like toy cars or blocks to show what 3 times 4 really means. Drawing pictures or using manipulatives helps many kids understand and remember better.

Switch up learning methods if a child seems bored or frustrated. Try new songs, different games, or educational apps. Sometimes, changing the format reignites interest and aids memory.

Allow breaks during practice sessions. If the child feels overwhelmed, pause and return later refreshed. Encourage self-testing by having the child quiz themselves or others, building confidence and independence.

Celebrate every small success, such as remembering a tricky fact or improving speed. Saying things like, “You remembered 7 times 6 today, that’s awesome!” keeps motivation high.

If difficulties continue despite these efforts, consider seeking help from a teacher or tutor who can provide personalized strategies tailored to the child’s needs.

How can this method be adapted specifically for kids aged 8–12?

Children between 8 and 12 years old are developing critical thinking and independence, so adapting teaching methods to fit their stage is key. Involve them in goal-setting, such as choosing which table to learn next or setting a target like “I want to master the 9 times table by Friday.”

Use clear, relatable examples they understand. For instance, “If you score 3 goals in 4 soccer games, that’s 3 times 4, or 12 goals total.” Connecting multiplication to their interests makes learning meaningful.

Encourage group learning or peer quizzes. Kids this age often enjoy friendly competition and working with friends boosts engagement.

Integrate technology with care. Educational apps or videos designed for their age group can provide interactive practice, but balance screen time with offline activities to avoid fatigue.

Provide challenges that are achievable but stretch their skills. For example, after mastering basic tables, introduce multiplication word problems or timed quizzes.

Lastly, include breaks during sessions to keep concentration strong. A 10-minute practice followed by a fun activity helps maintain energy and focus.

By tailoring instruction to their developmental level, you help kids feel confident and interested in learning multiplication.

Why do memory techniques work well for learning tables?

Memory techniques help multiplication learning by making facts easier to recall. They work by engaging different parts of the brain and turning numbers into patterns, images, or stories kids can remember.

For example, repetition helps move facts from short-term memory to long-term storage. Visual aids like charts or flashcards help kids “see” the math facts, making abstract numbers more concrete.

Songs and rhymes create a rhythm and melody that make facts stick. Mnemonics, such as “5, 6, 7, 8, 56 is 7 times 8,” turn numbers into playful phrases that are easier to remember.

Using multiple senses—seeing, hearing, and moving (like clapping while reciting)—strengthens memory by building several connections to the same information.

These techniques reduce the stress of memorizing by making the process creative and fun, encouraging kids to keep practicing without frustration.

What are some fun activities to make memorizing tables easier for kids?

Fun activities keep kids motivated and help multiplication tables stick. Here are some enjoyable ideas:

• Multiplication Bingo: Create bingo cards with answers. Call out multiplication facts and have kids mark their cards. Celebrate when they get a bingo!
• Flashcard Races: Time how quickly the child answers flashcard questions. Try to beat the previous time for excitement.
• Skip Counting Games: Count by 3s, 4s, or 6s out loud while jumping or clapping. This physical activity helps kinesthetic learners.
• Story Problems: Make up stories involving multiplication. For example, “If a pirate has 5 treasure chests with 8 gold coins each, how many coins does he have?”
• Online Quizzes or Apps: Use educational websites or apps with interactive multiplication games and rewards.

Incorporating these activities into practice sessions breaks up repetition and makes learning tables an adventure rather than a chore.

Frequently asked questions

How often should kids practice multiplication tables?

Short daily sessions of 10-15 minutes work best because they keep the child engaged without causing burnout. Consistent practice helps build memory steadily and avoids frustration.

Is it better to memorize tables in order or random?

Start learning tables in order to understand patterns, then practice randomly to improve quick recall. Mixing questions helps children apply what they know in different situations.

Can games really help kids memorize tables faster?

Yes, games make learning enjoyable and interactive, boosting motivation. When kids associate multiplication with fun, they are more likely to remember facts and stay interested.

What if a child forgets tables after learning them?

Forgetting is normal and can be improved with regular review. Revisiting tricky facts through different methods like drawing or singing helps reinforce memory over time.

Are there apps recommended for learning multiplication tables?

Many educational apps provide games and quizzes suited to kids’ ages. Choose apps that are engaging but limit screen time to maintain balance with other learning activities.