Why Times Tables Aren't Just About Memory
Overcoming times-tables struggles often involves more than just memory — discover how foundational skills and daily practice play a key role.
It was a drizzly Tuesday afternoon, and Priya was clutching her backpack as she stepped out of Strawberry Hill Elementary. Her mother, Aarti, watched as she shuffled towards her with a frown on her face. Why does she dread these times tables so much? Aarti wondered, recalling her own school days in India when multiplication was second nature by Grade 3.
Priya's report card had just come in, and while her reading was strong, her math comments told a different story. "Struggles with times tables," it read, echoing the same feedback from her teacher last term. Yet as Aarti reflected on the hours Priya spent trying to memorize them, she realized it wasn't just about rote memory.
At Kumon Strawberry Hill, where Priya attended twice a week, the focus was on foundational skill building rather than memorization. Here, the emphasis was on understanding numbers as more than symbols on a page. "It's not just about learning to recite numbers," explained Mr. Singh, the center director, during a parent seminar. "It's about seeing patterns and building number sense."
This approach resonated with Priya's parents, who had seen how practice in other areas, like Priya’s Saturday morning soccer at Bear Creek Park, had helped her excel. The same discipline and routine that honed her footwork could transform her math skills. Aarti remembered her own padhai (study) routine from her childhood, guided by her Biji, who emphasized the importance of daily practice.
As Priya worked through her Kumon worksheets, Mr. Singh encouraged her to discover the relationships between numbers. "What happens when you add two fives?" he asked, sparking curiosity rather than recitation. This inquiry-based approach slowly began to make connections in Priya's mind. She started to see multiplication as a series of additions and subtractions that she could map out, not just a series of numbers to memorize.
Local schools such as Hjorth Road Elementary and Tamanawis Secondary have noticed similar struggles with times tables. It's a common challenge, particularly in communities with diverse language backgrounds where the home language doesn't always align with school language lessons. Priya's classroom, like many in Surrey, was filled with students who navigated this bilingual landscape daily.
To support her self-paced learning, Priya's family integrated a routine where her Dada walked her home from school and spent a few minutes with her on the worksheets before evening activities. Evenings were busy with Aarti commuting from her job via the Alex Fraser Bridge, but those 20 minutes reclaimed from chaos felt like a small, yet significant, victory.
Eventually, Priya began to approach her math worksheets with the same determination she showed on the soccer field. It was no longer a battle of memory but a process of discovery. Aarti noticed a shift, not just in Priya's homework attitude but in her confidence. Maybe we’re onto something here, she thought.
As Priya packed her bag one evening, she paused to show her parents the completed times tables section of her worksheet. "I got them all right today," she said, a proud smile spreading across her face. In that moment, the struggle didn't seem as daunting, and for Aarti, the possibility that Priya was building skills beyond just memorization was becoming clearer.
For parents facing similar challenges, the Kumon Strawberry Hill center offers not just a program, but a partner in nurturing children’s learning journeys. To learn more or book a free assessment, visit Kumon Strawberry Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kumon worth it for my Grade 3 kid?
Many parents find Kumon valuable for Grade 3 children as it focuses on foundational skills and independent learning, which can support their school education.
How long does Kumon homework take each day?
Kumon assignments typically take about 20-30 minutes daily, fitting easily into busy family schedules while reinforcing learning habits.
What Surrey schools feed into Kwantlen Park?
Schools like Strawberry Hill Elementary, Hjorth Road, and Woodland Park are feeder schools for Kwantlen Park Secondary in Surrey.
Why do kids struggle with times tables?
The struggle often stems from a lack of foundational understanding rather than memory; focusing on patterns and number sense can help.
How can sports help with math skills?
Sports instill discipline and routine, which are crucial for math practice. Skills like focus and perseverance transfer well from sports to academics.