To see all of the work I do for TES Maths, including Resource of the Week, Inspect the Spec, Pedagogy Place, Maths Newsletters and Topic Collections, please visit the TES Maths Blog here

What is it?
Times tables are a divisive issue among teachers. We all want our students to be good at them; being able to recall key facts in a way that allows them to solve more complex problems; but how to go about achieving that is very much up for debate. I am going to put my neck on the line and say that I believe the best way is for students to practice. But I am also well aware that such practice can take the form of drills that may induce anxiety in some students.

Which is why I am a huge fan of this resource. It is a clever, Excel based tool which allows students to practice their times tables independently, giving the kind of feedback you would normally only get from a premium service.

How can it be used?
This resource could be used in school, perhaps as part of a lesson on the computers. However, its true strength comes when it is in the hands of students at home. Emailing this home, or putting it on the school VLE, means students (and parents) can access this whenever they like.

Students can be encouraged to track their progress, the resource is able to record both accuracy and speed and fruitful discussions can be had as to which times tables are providing the most problematic. For some students, this wonderful resource will be a lifesaver but for others there are plenty of alternatives out there to try.

Thanks for sharing!
Craig Barton

Download: Times tables learning tool
View the author’s other resources