Times Tables and Friends, 1-12

Learning times tables fluently enough to be quickly able to recall the answer to any question up to 12 x 12 has a renewed emphasis in the English school system but is just as important in all maths curricula.  Times Tables and Friends is full of opportunities to learn and practise.

There are a number of different modes within the app each offering a different level of complexity to the challenge.  In the game mode, children tackle each table at a time as they complete the 12 levels.  Challenge mode is timed and covers all of the times tables at once as children strive to build up the highest score that they can.  Training mode lets children or teachers construct a set of questions concentrating on those that are causing difficulty.  This is an excellent function that lets the app be tailored to an individual's needs.

Learning mode introduces each times table to children.  First, it says it, then it asks children to repeat it and then, finally, paint in the empty digits.  This does its job but it is a little less refined than other areas of the app as it does not really require children to do it properly.  Numbers can essentially be painted in any way and, although the app requests microphone access to hear the times tables recited, it only really needs a spoken voice, anything can be said.  With the support of a parent or teacher, this will be a useful section, but left to their own devices children will probably take more interest in seeing how they can abuse the lack of strictness.

There is the really nice addition of a two-player mode where two learners sit at either end of the device and compete to answer the questions as fast as possible.  This is an ideal mode for the classroom as it allows twice as many children as there are devices to play.  Parents should also be able to make good use of this to motivate and encourage their children to overtake mum or dad in their multiplication knowledge.

All of these modes are wrapped up in a polished, colourful, and clear graphical style supported by music and sound effects.  The app tracks the engagement and accomplishments of a single user.  While having only a single-user option can be a problem in the classroom, it is not so much of an issue with this app.  Its style suits short and frequent uses and it contains that most useful of functions - the ability to reset the data within the app.  It can be put ready for a new user very easily without all of the fiddling that so many other apps require for lack of having such an option.

This is a really good app.  It has one or two minor issues but nothing to put players off and they are the sort of issues that could be put right in future updates.  If you are in any doubt, there are trial versions available which will give you the chance to see how they fit your children's needs.  Whether you are downloading it for home use or school use, Times Tables and Friends will be a useful and fun support for children learning their times tables and is compatible with phones and tablets.

You can download Times Tables and Friends, 1-12 on your iOS or Android devices from the app stores. Download the Times Tables and Friends, 1-12 app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.