Times tables is a personalised practise feature in Sparx Maths that helps students build fluency and confidence with multiplication facts. It is a task that can be practised independently at any time or can be added as part of compulsory homework.
How students access time tables
Via compulsory homework
Via compulsory homework
When you set a times tables tasks for students as part of their compulsory homework, it will show alongside the other tasks in their compulsory homework
To complete this task, students will need to answer 50 questions correctly
Any time it takes to complete times tables tasks will be in addition to the homework length that you've set for the class/homework, but it usually only takes students a few minutes to complete.
Students will be notified when they have completed the compulsory 50 questions, but they can continue to work on times tables after this if they choose.
Via Independent Learning
Via Independent Learning
Students can choose to practice times tables at any time by clicking on 'Independent Learning' and then choosing 'Times tables practice'.
This is especially useful for students who are set to optional-only homework.
If students have outstanding times tables tasks in their compulsory homework, Sparx Maths will encourage them to complete those tasks before practicing times tables in Independent Learning
How to set times tables tasks in compulsory homework
Enabling times tables for a single class
Enabling times tables for a single class
Go to 'Management' → 'Class Manager'
Click the pencil next to the class that you want to work with
In the 'Homework details' section → 'Times tables task in homework' and toggle this on. select 'On'
Click 'Preview Changes', and then 'Update' if you are happy.
Enabling times tables for multiple classes at once
Enabling times tables for multiple classes at once
Go to 'Management' → 'Class Manager'
Tick the classes that you want to edit
Click 'Edit selected classes' at the top of the screen
Change the 'Times tables task in homework' drop-down to 'On'
Click 'Preview Changes', and then 'Update' if you are happy.
How times tables works
Initial assessment ('100 Club Check')
Initial assessment ('100 Club Check')
Students have to complete an initial '100 Club Check' to assess their level.
This gives an indication of which tables they are able to fluently and confidently answer in good time (under 6 seconds).
Based on the assessment, students will have the option to play games to complete their future times tables tasks.
Students can retake the 100 Club Check periodically to update their level.
If a student has recently completed a 100 Club Check, they won't be able to complete another for a while and the button will be greyed out. They can still complete their homework task by playing times tables games.
100 Club levels
100 Club levels
10 Club | 10 times tables (60-second timer) |
20 Club Bronze | Early 2 times tables (60-second timer) Progressed once most are answered in less than 10 seconds, and all are correct. |
20 Club Silver | Early 2 times tables (10-second timer) Progressed once most are answered in less than 6 seconds, and all are correct. |
20 Club Gold | Early 2 times tables (6-second timer) Progressed once all questions are correct within the timer. |
30 Club | Late 2 times tables and early 5 times tables |
40 Club | 11 times tables |
50 Club | Some 3 times tables and 5 times tables |
60 Club | Remaining 5 times tables, later 3 times tables and squares |
70 Club | Easier 9 times tables and 7 times tables, harder 4 times tables |
80 Club | Harder 6 times tables, 7 times tables, 8 times tables and 9 times tables |
90 Club | Hardest tables below 10 and easy 12 times tables |
100 Club | Harder 12 times tables |
Speed Challenge | The student will be given a fast timer, which increases in speed each time they get a perfect score. |
Full Knowledge | Once they have achieved a perfect score with the fastest timer (3 seconds), their club will be displayed as Full Knowledge. |
Target tables
Target tables
Once students complete their initial assessment, they will be shown target tables that they need to practice.
They will also see tasks that are available, which will ask them a variety of questions designed to teach and practise these targets, whilst also mixing in some short, engaging games.
Once students have practised enough, they will be given a new assessment, where they have the opportunity to move up in their 100 club and generate new targets to practice.
Tokens
Tokens
When students first start on times tables, they will have access to a couple of default games.
Some games will be locked until students have earned a certain number of tokens.
Students earn 1 token if they answer 30 correct answers in a day.
They can only earn 1 token a day - this is to encourage regular times tables practice throughout the week.
The more students play times tables games, the more choice of games they will have.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the times tables task take?
How long does the times tables task take?
The task typically takes just a few minutes to complete as part of the student's homework. Students need to answer 50 questions correctly to complete the task.
Can I turn the times tables task in homework off for one student, even if it's on for their class?
Can I turn the times tables task in homework off for one student, even if it's on for their class?
No, currently times tables access can only be controlled at a class level.
Can students practice times tables outside of their homework?
Can students practice times tables outside of their homework?
Yes, students can access Times Tables practice anytime through Independent Learning, even if they have homework turned off.