A t Ashcombe Primary School, we use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to help children develop rapid recall of their multiplication and division facts in a fun, engaging, and highly motivating way. TTRS combines clever game design with daily practice, helping children build confidence, accuracy, and speed with their times tables—skills that form the foundation of success in mathematics throughout their school journey.

⭐ What is Times Tables Rock Stars?

Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) is an online learning platform that turns practising times tables into an exciting rock‑themed adventure. Through fast‑paced games, personalised challenges, and engaging characters, children build rapid recall of multiplication and division facts in a fun and motivating way.

The programme is based on research carried out by Dr David Pritchard, Head of Mathematics Education at University College London. He found that students who practiced their times tables regularly had better recall of them than those who did not. As a result, he developed a method of teaching multiplication tables that built up the skill gradually through direct instruction.

Dr Pritchard tested his method in a pilot study involving 500 primary school children aged 7 and 8. After three months, the children who had learnt how to multiply quickly remembered the tables much better than those who had not. In 2008, Times Tables Rock Stars was launched in the UK. Over the next eight years, it has spread around the world, being used in classrooms throughout the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.

Children can access TTRS from school or home using their login details.

🎸 Why we use Times Tables Rock Stars

Developing quick recall of times tables is essential for success across many areas of maths. TTRS supports this by:

• Making practice fun and competitive
• Encouraging children to improve their speed and accuracy
• Allowing teachers to personalise the tables children work on
• Providing instant feedback and progress tracking
• Supporting preparation for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

With short, regular sessions, children gain confidence and fluency—while feeling like true rock stars!

TTRS vs Traditional Times Table Memorization: Which is Best?

There are many ways of teaching multiplication tables but most of these focus on memorising the tables rather than understanding what they mean.

For example, some programmes use flashcards to help children learn the tables. However, while this may be effective for short-term retention, it doesn't provide long-term benefits.

Other programmes involve complex calculation methods such as using a calculator. But again, although this might seem like an efficient way of teaching multiplication tables, it's actually quite difficult to do so accurately.

With TTRS, however, there is no need to calculate anything. Instead, the child learns the tables through a series of questions and answers. This allows them to understand exactly what the table represents. This quickfire approach turns retrieval practice into a daily learning habit that pupils can access from any internet-enabled screen.

This approach also works well when combined with another important aspect of TTRS, its structure. Unlike traditional programmes, TTRS uses a question-and-answer format. This encourages children to think logically and provides them with a framework within which to organise their knowledge. Times Table Rock Stars provides pupils time to develop their mathematical conceptual knowledge in a friendly manner.

Online times tables competitions are a simple way of bringing fun to something that many pupils can often find laborious. The programme supports differentiation by allowing teachers to set different challenges for pupils at various levels. It also helps maintain attention through its engaging format, while developing executive function skills as pupils plan their practice sessions. This approach naturally enhances engagement and supports inclusive learning environments.

For pupils with SEN, the visual and auditory elements provide multiple ways to access the content. Thousands of pupils use this platform to sharpen their mathematical skills and what's wrong with making it pleasurable (especially if they are willing to spend time doing this for homework!).

Benefits of Using Times Tables Rock Stars

Firstly, it significantly enhances pupils’ recall speed and accuracy. The gamified approach makes learning fun and engaging, which helps to reduce anxiety and increase motivation. Regular practice improves not only multiplication skills but also broader mathematical fluency.

Secondly, it creates a growth mindset. Pupils can see their progress over time, encouraging them to persevere even when faced with challenges. This builds confidence and resilience, essential qualities for success in maths and other subjects. The platform's adaptive learning features ensure that pupils are always working at an appropriate level, preventing frustration and promoting a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, it saves teachers time. The platform automates much of the assessment and tracking process, freeing up valuable time for lesson planning and individualised support.

🧪 Supporting the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

TTRS is an excellent tool for preparing children for the MTC, helping them:

• Build speed and confidence
• Experience timed quizzes similar to the real check
• Practise the full range of multiplication facts up to 12 × 12

Regular use of Soundcheck especially helps children adjust to the pace of the assessment.

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👨‍👩‍👧 How you can support your child at home

• Encourage short, daily practice (around 5–10 minutes).
• Celebrate improvements in speed and accuracy.
• Explore different game modes to keep it engaging.
• Ensure devices are charged and login details are accessible.
• Talk with your child about their Rock Status goals.

A little practice goes a long way!

🌟 Helpful Tips for Parents

• Add TTRS to your home routine (before school, after dinner, etc.)
• Use headphones to help children focus
• Encourage children to challenge their own scores rather than compare with others
• Celebrate progress, even small improvements
• Keep login details somewhere secure and easy to find

🕹️ Game Modes

TTRS includes a range of game types to keep learning exciting:

🎵 Garage

Personalised practice set by teachers, focusing on the tables your child most needs to develop.

🎤 Studio

Children answer questions at pace to earn their “Rock Status”—from Wannabe all the way to Rock Legend.

🥁 Arena

Compete with classmates in a safe online environment.

🎧 Soundcheck

A 25‑question challenge that mirrors the format and timing of the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.

🎸 Access Here

👉 Times Tables Rock Stars