Times tables are one of the most important mathematical foundations, and the approach to learning them matters enormously.
Learn in this order: 2, 5, 10 (the easy ones), then 3, 4, then 6, 7, 8, 9 (the hard ones). The 11s and 12s come last. This sequence builds confidence before tackling the difficult tables.
The goal with times tables is instant recall — not 'working it out'. The child should be able to answer 6×7 as immediately as they say their own name. That requires repetition, not explanation.
Chanting (hearing and saying), random-order testing (not in sequence — that builds pattern recognition not recall), and short daily practice (5 minutes per day beats 35 minutes on Sunday).
Print our free times tables practice sheet for home drilling.