Games for Times Tables

Students typically don't look forward to having to learn times tables. Memorizing the multiplication tables and then recalling the facts can be quite frustrating. If you want to help your students remember their times tables, you can use various games. These games help children to have fun while they learn.

Times Table Card Game

In order to play this game, you will need multiple decks of cards. Divide your students into pairs and give each pair a deck of cards. Explain to your students that all face cards equal 10 and that aces equal one. The students must then take turns flipping over two cards at a time and multiplying these two cards. If the student gets the correct answer, he earns a point. The first student to reach 10 points wins.

Dice Game

This game helps to reinforce the times tables up through the number six. Pair up your students and give each pair a set of two dice. Have the students take turns rolling the dice. When a student rolls the dice, she must multiply the two numbers that come up. If the answer is right, she earns a point. The first student to reach 20 points wins the game.

Times Table Beach Ball

This is an active game that you can use for times tables of any level. Write various times table sentences (without the answers) all over a beach ball in random positions. Gather your students into a circle and toss the ball to a child. The student must then read the problem that his left index finger is touching. If the student gets the answer right, he stays in the game and tosses the ball to someone else. If he gets the answer wrong, he must sit down. The last student standing wins.

Times Table Twister

In order to play this game, you need a Twister mat. Write multiplication sentences on index cards (one per card). Then write the products for those sentences on the Twister mat (one answer per circle). Have several students stand beside the mat. Decide who will go first. Spin the Twister spinner to determine "right hand," "left hand," "right foot" or "left foot." Then draw an index card from the deck and read the problem aloud. The student who is going first must place his foot or hand on a circle that contains the correct answer to the problem. If a student answers incorrectly or falls during the game, he is out. The last child playing wins.