Learning the 7 times table: tips and tricks

1. Arm yourself with your times tables learning aids – and make sure your child is confident with the 2, 3, 4 and 5 times tables.
2. Start by explaining why 7s are more difficult, and then say the table slowly, inviting your child to join in, but not requiring it. Ask if they'd like you to do this again.
3. Then try the paired table approach (saying the table out loud at the same time as your child), going very slowly and giving your child every opportunity to catch on.
4. A judgement call from here on in, but I usually then use the paired approach to 3x7, then start from the beginning and go to 5x7. If it sticks, great – if not, go back and build up carefully. 
5. Complete the second part of the table once the first part is secure. 

• A brilliant mnemonic from Guardian Education to help with tricky 7s. Write down these three columns:

This gives the final digit of each item in the table in order. 

• Alternatively, write down the numbers 1 to 9, and cross each digit out as it appears in the units or ones column in the 7 times table answers. This reinforces the idea that the final digit does not repeat itself.
• If 7s don't come easily, have your child write out what they know, and complete the table. Then see if they can write the elements they did not get first time round.
• Use either 5+2 p coins to make a unit of 7 to build the table physically, or Numicon if you have it. You could also cut out squared paper into 7s, and use these to build up the table and count the squares.

For a selection of 7 times tables worksheets and printable games see below.
 

7x table patterns	7x table as repeated addition	7x table number sentences
7x table practice drill	7x table speed grids	Finding multiples of 7
Find multiples of 7	Spot the wrong answers: 7x table	Speed grids: 7x table division facts

Read John Bald's guide to times table learning for more general advice about multiplication tables, then browse through all times table worksheets and printable games.