In kid words
Times tables are just counting in jumps. The 3× table jumps in 3s (3, 6, 9, 12…). The 4× table jumps in 4s (4, 8, 12, 16…). And here's a freebie: 4× is just double, then double again.
Worked example
4 × 6, the doubling way: double 6 = 12, double 12 = 24. So 4 × 6 = 24.
Two shortcuts to lean on:
- Order doesn't matter (commutativity): 3 × 4 is the same as 4 × 3. Knowing one gives you the other.
- He already knows some! 3 × 2, 4 × 2 (from his 2×); 3 × 5, 4 × 5 (from his 5×); 3 × 10, 4 × 10 (from his 10×). Only a few are genuinely new.
| 3× | 4× |
|---|
3 6 9 12 15
18 21 24 27 30 | 4 8 12 16 20
24 28 32 36 40 |
Exercises
📄 Printables: worksheet · flashcards.
Warm-up · count the jumps
Count aloud in 3s to 30, then in 4s to 40. Then count backwards in 3s from 30 (harder, fun).
Core · quick recall
- 3 × 4 = ?
- 4 × 6 = ?
- 3 × 7 = ?
- 4 × 8 = ?
- 3 × 9 = ?
Answers
12, 24, 21, 32, 27.
Stretch · word problems & division
- There are 4 cars. Each has 3 wheels showing. How many wheels?
- Backwards: 24 ÷ 4 = ? (how many 4s make 24?)
Answers
1. 4 × 3 = 12. 2. 6.
Play it
Games that build this
Stepping stones: hop along floor tiles/stairs chanting the 3s or 4s.
Array hunt: spot "3×4" arrays in real life — egg boxes, windowpanes, muffin trays.
Online: "Hit the Button" → times tables (3s, 4s) — see
references.
On a tablet:
🧮 James's Maths Game → Times / Sharing.
Watch for (grown-up note)
Don't drill the whole table cold — start from what he already knows (the 2s/5s/10s overlaps) so it feels achievable. Mix × and ÷ early so it's understanding, not just a chant. Keep it to a couple of minutes, often.
Words we used
Glossary: commutativity, double, share.
Note for the log
In log/, jot: which facts are instant vs still counted? (Common sticky ones: 3×7, 4×7, 4×8.)