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Times Tables Rockstars

Want to boost times tables recall and maths confidence?

Times Tables Rock Stars creates confident and competent maths learners by securing the foundation of quick multiplication and division recall.

HundrED 2019
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Overview

HundrED has selected this innovation to

HundrED 2019

HundrED 2018

Web presence

2013

Established

3M

Children

4

Countries
Target group
Teachers
Updated
September 2017
I haven’t experienced this level of improvement with other programmes. Rockstars gives them motivation...they want to get higher scores and it’s not a feeling they typically experience in math

About the innovation

What is Times Tables Rockstars?

Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice with a rock star theme. Each week concentrates on a different times table, with a recommended consolidation week for rehearsing the tables that have recently been practiced every third week or so.

The programme, available as paper worksheets, webgames and as an app, has very successfully boosted times tables recall speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils over the last 9 years in over 15,000 schools - both primary and secondary - worldwide.

A majority of maths topics require multiplication knowledge and without quick recall children can fall behind. This can also affect learners’ confidence in maths or cause them to become anxious about their abilities. Teaching higher level maths can become difficult if students lack fundamental skills, such as times tables recall and so it is a crucial aspect of maths lessons, not only in primary education but also in secondary.


Times Tables Rockstars is a gamified, child friendly approach that takes the boredom out of learning times tables. Children are inspired to become ‘rockstars’ through fun yet structured daily practice. The programme is gradual and sustainable, covering a different times table each week and blending division with multiplication to strengthen mathematical understanding.


Practice and consolidation is carefully integrated into the programme to strengthen confidence and recall. Children can use the Times Tables Rockstars worksheets, webgames or mobile/tablet apps (or a combination) to suit the needs of different schools and can also be used by families to consolidate learning at home.


The rockstar theme makes learning times tables something inspiring, rather than boring. The programme also encourages celebration and excitement around times tables. Classes can track their rankings using leadership boards and attend red carpet events and regional competitions. In the classroom, teachers can create an exciting atmosphere by wearing outrageous rock wigs, using inflatable guitar props and playing rock anthems.


All schools have a degree of success with Times Tables Rock Stars but schools that get the most from the programme don’t rush the tables for anyone, they use it for 3 minutes at the start of each maths lesson and they embrace the fun side so the main challenge is to carve out the time to do it well and find your inner rock mojo.


Each year a series of Rock Wrangles take place, where 150 students compete in heated head-to-head times tables challenges. It’s an exciting event and the winners even earn a helicopter flight.


Three in four schools in the UK enjoys Times Tables Rock Stars (approximately 15,000 schools) in addition to hundreds of others using it around the rest of the world.

Impact & scalability

Impact & Scalability

Innovativeness

Times Tables Rockstars is a fun and exciting take on rote learning times tables. Being a rockstar gives children self confidence, recognition and motivation to improve. The classroom atmosphere is electrified and students can't wait to see their scores move up the rockstars ranks!

Impact

This approach not only improves recall speed of pupils, but also boosts their confidence and reduces math anxiety. Children with math anxiety benefit because there is no pressure or expectations, they just see it as a game.

Scalability

Times Tables Rock Stars is UK-based and used by 1/4 of UK schools. It's also active in 20 countries and is used by almost 1 million students worldwide. The programme has been adapted for Liberia and Sierra Leone, where the name Times Tables Hip Hoppers has more of an appeal to students.

Implementation steps

Get started
It's easy to get started, whether you're a teacher or parent, all you need to do is create an account.

Begin with a free trial or go straight to a low cost subscription. All you need to do is visit the website.

Set your class up
All you have to do is prepare a spreadsheet with some basic student details.

Provide the names, class and year group and the system will generate usernames and passwords for your students. Alternatively, your studentsmight want to have fun selecting a 'rockstar' username, and passwords can be manuallyset for each pupil (greatfor matching login details of other sites you use)

Copy and paste the details into the pupil uploader
Your classes and your pupil accounts will be created.

Decide on your medium
Choose paper worksheets or the webgames/app.

There is a paper version, where you can print off worksheets. Alternatively, use the web games and app by simply selecting the times tables to be practiced each week. You can set up to 20 weeks in advance.

Prepare to launch!
Download the lesson resources and set the date for launch!

A PowerPoint and video is available to help you introduce Times Tables Rockstars to your class. Remember this is the first time the children will have heard about it, so bring your rock mojo by acting like a rock hero!

Spread of the innovation

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