Children do not need to memorise every fact as an isolated answer. A fact they know well can lead to a related fact and strengthen understanding of how numbers connect.

Start with what they know well

Ask school which facts the child already knows and which small set needs strengthening. Show the link using counters, a number line or the picture or equipment school usually uses.

Examples include:

• 6 + 6 helps with 6 + 7: add one more;

• 8 + 2 = 10 helps with 10 - 2 = 8;

• 5 × 6 helps with 10 × 6: double it;

• 4 × 7 is the same total as 7 × 4.

Ask, “Which fact do you know that could help?” If the child is stuck, state the known fact and work through the adjustment together.

Practise the connection

Use only a few related facts for three to five minutes. Mix saying the link, showing it with objects and writing it down. Return to the known fact after an error rather than supplying a trick.

Avoid speed tests while the child is still working answers out. At this stage, choosing a sensible route and getting it right matters more than speed.

A free resource

The National Numeracy Family Maths Toolkit provides free activities for using number at home. You need to give an email address to get them.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.