Times Tables Trainer

How to use this

For parents and teachers.

1. Choose a table from 2 to 12.
2. Review it together. The two ladders show that 3 × 7 and 7 × 3 are the same fact.
3. Test: 20 questions. Every fact comes up at least once and eight come up twice, shown either way round. A stopwatch counts up for the whole test, with no limit per question.
4. After a wrong answer, the child sees the fact on a short ladder with the facts either side, plus a tip. Nothing counts down: the stopwatch stops until they press “Got it”, so this look back isn’t counted in the overall time or in that question’s time.

The two maps

Both maps show each fact once, with 3 × 7 and 7 × 3 counted together. The accuracy map colours each row by how many times it was right: green for all, orange for half or more, red for under half. It also shows the score (such as 1/2) and what was typed for wrong answers. The speed map uses shades of blue for the average time to answer: Quick (under 3s), Steady (3 to 6s) or Slow (over 6s). Time spent on the learning moment isn’t included. Both keeps the accuracy colour and adds a speed badge.

The four kinds of fact

• Secure: always right and quick. Keep it fresh with the odd go.
• Right but slow: the child knows it but works it out. Short, frequent practice builds fluency.
• Quick but wrong: a fast answer that’s wrong often means guessing, or mixing it up with a fact next door (such as 6 × 8 and 7 × 8). Slow down and use the ladder.
• Slow and wrong: not learnt yet. Start here, building from a fact the child already knows.

“Practise the ones to go over” makes a new 20-question round from the facts that aren’t secure. If only one fact needs work, its neighbours on the ladder are mixed in so it’s never asked twice in a row. The only comparison is with the child’s own last saved go, never with anyone else.