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How to prepare
for the Year 4 Multiplication
Table Check?

1. Practice pairs that help notice a system.
Such pairs are multiplications of 10 and 9, 2 and 4, 10 and 5, 3 and 6. Example:(10×7=? 9×7=?) (2×7=? 4×7=?) (10×7=? 5×7=?) (3×7=? 6×7=?)
4. Don’t rush to correct mistakes! Empower your child’s capability to examine their own answers.
At later ages, a known problem that puzzles many, is the case of students who study relentlessly towards a test, get most questions right at home but perform poorly on the actual test. Often it is believed to be the result of stress but a more careful examination reveals it is the result of a dependency students develop on external feedback. At home, they check the answers and receive the assurance they were right. That gives them the confidence to go on. During the test, they are deprived of that confidence, and this is where things go terribly wrong. Students that develop their own tools to examine the validity of their answers do considerably better! The sooner we nurture that independency – the better.

2. Tricks kids discovered independently are considerably more valuable than methods we teach them.
Avoid the trap of the need to TEACH. Let them discover. Everything children discover on their own, nurtures their ownership and confidence.
5. Celebrate perseverance and the identification of their own mistakes as much as you celebrate the correct answers.
One of the greatest setbacks for children’s achievements is maths anxiety. Mistakes and their legitimization are key to a successful learning process. When we only celebrate correct answers, we unwittingly discourage mistakes. This often leads to avoidance and nurtures maths anxiety. The whole process should be celebrated not only the correct answers.
3. Pick the most challenging multiplication for your child and play the “Bang” game while traveling:
The table of 7 is often the trickiest ones for kids. While you travel, ride the bike or enjoy a walk in the park you can offer the “7-Bang” game. It’s a collective counting game but multiplications of seven and numbers that include the digit seven need to be replaced with the word “Bang!” Example: 1-2-3-4-5-6-Bang-8-9-10-11-12-13-Bang-15-16-Bang-18-19-20-Bang- 22… Whenever the count goes wrong the group or couple of players start from the beginning. The point is to reach a 100 in the shortest possible time.
6. Make sure both child and parent are enjoying the practice.
Why is it so important to enjoy maths? If children perceive maths as a burden, they will lose the colossal advantage of being deeply motivated. Once kids link maths to a healthy relationship you will find new capabilities magically unlock. Besides, on the practical side of things, if the practice is tedious, this will wear down both parent and child. The constant friction will lead to frustrations and poor results. Why go down that path if this precious time can be put to much better use?


Multiplication Table Check information:
Do you have a child in year 4 at primary school?
If so, your child will be participating in the multiplication tables check in June. The purpose of the check is to determine whether your child can fuently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help your child’s school to identify if your child may need additional support.
What is the Multiplication tables check?
It is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
How will the results be used?
Schools will have access to all their pupils’ results, allowing those pupils who need additional support to be identifed.
Will I receive feedback on my child’s check?
Yes. Your child’s teacher will share your child’s score with you, as they would with all national curriculum assessments. There is no pass mark for the check.


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What do parents say about us?
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