“Primary schools which fail to teach times tables by heart are condemning children to a lifetime struggling with numbers, [Ofsted] inspectors have warned.” (Telegraph)
Why is instant recall of Multiplication vital?
Instant recall of times tables is KEY to maths (the building blocks for division, fractions, algebra, long multiplication, percentages etc) which is why the Government have issued the new mandate:
“every child in Britain will have to know their times tables off by heart by 11“.
In fact, a report by Ofsted, the schools watchdog, found that:
“pupils without instant recall of the multiplication table struggle in maths”.
“Many low-attaining secondary pupils struggle with instant recall of tables“.
“Lack of fluency with multiplication tables is a significant impediment to fluency with multiplication and division“.
“It is really important that children have the tools of arithmetic at their finger tips.” “Without that it is like sending a plumber out to do a job without knowing how to use a spanner“. (Jean Humphrys, Ofsted’s education director)
Empower your child > Ensure they don’t struggle in maths > Enjoy learning maths
