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The Two Times Table in the National Curriculum:
The 2 times table forms part of the Year 2 national curriculum in the UK.
By the end of Year 2, all students should know the 2, 5 and 10 times tables and in June 2021 year 4 students are due to be tested nationally for the first time with something called the “Multiplication Tables Check”. Check out this link for more information on the MTC.
What do students need to know before learning the two times table?
Before learning the two times table, students should know:
- How to add up to 20, this is especially aimed at year one students.
- The concept of multiplication – For example: The total if we have three groups of nine objects.
- The one times table. All students should know to multiply by one. A good activity to practise the one time table is to pretend the numbers are reflecting in a single mirror. If there is only one group of three objects, the total of all objects would be three.
Time Table Facts:
- Remember that there are only 12 x 12 (144) maths facts to learn for the national curriculum. It sounds daunting but by breaking it up into twelve sessions you can ensure your students enjoy learning the times tables.
- All answers in the ten times table end with a zero.
- The two times tables are one of the easiest to learn due to how simple it is.
- Learning the two times table will aid students to be able to divide by two.
- You can use multiplications to make long sums easier, for example: 3+3+3+3+3+3 = 18 = 3 x 6 = 18.
- The multiplication chart is symmetrical.
Regular practice with Times Tables with Emile will lead to all your students wanting to practice them and knowing all their times tables in no time at all.
Two Times Table Tricks:
The two times table is one of the easiest tables to learn – just as long as you are aware that everything is doubled.
Trick one:
Practise with your student by being consistent in how you recite the numbers.
Stick to: Two ones are two, two twos are four, three twos are six.
This can be made easier if students are aware of the sequence the two times table follows:
0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24….
It is important to stress that the way a student recites the two times table must stay in the same order to fully grasp the subject without it becoming confusing. Also, it will promote their memory skills!
Maybe create a creative classroom display for your students to memorise this easy sequence.
Trick Two:
Split the table into two halves.
Sometimes students get overwhelmed with information that it can be hard for it all to stick. To ensure that the times tables are learned with ease and less stress we advise splitting them into two.
Work from 1 to 6, and then move on from 6 to 12.
This will make the learning activity less stressful for you and your students.
Trick Three:
The add two method. Keep in mind this only works for whole numbers therefore this trick cannot be applied to all formulas.
However, a very easy way to remember the two times table is to add two to your answers.
4 x 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 8.
This is a long way of calculating multiples, however, for some students, this will give them that extra push they might need in order to learn the tables.
Two Times Table Games & Activities:
Use visuals:
Give students manipulatives such as coins, or any other small but safe objects.
As they will eventually need 120 manipulatives, it may mean working in groups and getting creative. The perfect opportunity to exercise teamwork skills.
Get them in their groups to write down the ten times table up to 12 x 2. Then check with adjacent groups.
Hopefully, this exploration of the two times table will help embed their understanding of what the two times table is.
Write Them and Sing Them:
Ask students to write down the two times table and see if they can spot any patterns.
You can also create songs that help students remember! The BBC have plenty of musical resources to aid you in your classroom.
The Use of the Grid:
Get students to complete an empty multiplication grid. It is quite a useful exercise to see where some students are struggling.
The grid could be selectively empty in the 2nd row or column.
It can also be useful to remind children that they can reverse the order of a multiplication to make it an easier calculation.
You can download our free editable multiplication grid here.
Two Times Table Worksheets:
Enjoy our free worksheet for free. You can download it by pressing the button below.
Read more of our Numeracy Blogs...
Number Bonds To 10 And 20:
Brilliant Games And Activities For Your Class
Multiplication Tables Check: How To Best Prepare Your Year 4 Class
Year 1 Position And Direction: Fun And Engaging Activities For Your Classroom
Word Problems Year 4: Fun And Engaging Activities For Your Class
Multiplying Fractions: Easy tips for teaching fractions in the classroom 2021
Two Times Table – 3 Fun Tricks and Activities for the Classroom.
Teaching Symmetry: Activities to teach symmetry with 2-D shapes.
The 10 Times Table – Fun Tricks, Videos and Activities for the Classroom.
The Five Times Table: 5 Great Activities for Your Classroom.
11 Times Tables – Videos, Songs, & Activities for the Classroom
