Adventure Maths Times Tables

An exciting virtual reality adventure takes our heroes, three children, round planet Earth. In each country they meet someone who introduces them to their culture and joins them in practising a times table. We present the times tables in rhythm and activity as learning can be more effective in these modes. The children are invited to join in a physical activity, such as jumping, clapping and tapping sticks. This caters well for kinaesthetic learners. Each table is chanted in three ways. Firstly, at classroom pace, we chant 'One twos are two' etc with accompanying rhythm. Then we chant again with the rhythm, 'One times two equals...', this time leaving a gap for children to answer, '... two'. Then at top speed we chant without the backing rhythm, which prepares children for possible real life situations where they may need to quickly recall a particular answer. This resource is great fun, has strong appeal to boys as well as girls, and is also excellent for older slow learners. A values component is included in this resource. We use positive language and highlight a different virtue in each country. The story is fast-moving with wacky humour in places, giving the message that values need not be boring or 'goody-goody'.