23rd November 2017
Dear Parents / Carers,
The National Curriculum highlights the importance of children learning their times tables. By the end of year 2, children are expected to have learnt their 2, 5 and 10 times tables. By the end of year 4, it is expected that children will have learnt all their times tables, including the 11 and 12 times tables. In years 5 and 6, children need to be able to recall these facts quickly, so that they can access other areas of the Curriculum.
In response to this, the school has again purchased the use of a programme called Times Table Rockstars (www.ttrockstars.com). Each child from year 1 to year 6 has been given a unique username and password, so that they can practise their times tables at home in a fun and entertaining way. Teachers are able to set children times table challenges based on what they have learnt at school and the programme is a wonderful way for children to learn their times tables. They can play against their friends (and teachers!) and the more questions they get correct, the more tokens they get to purchase for their rockstar avatar.
We have also purchased a mobile bolt-on, which will allow you to download the app (free of charge) from the app stores on your phone or tablet device. Your child will then be able to play the game on a mobile phone or tablet using their unique username and password.
To add a further incentive, the school has now launched a times table reward system that will enable the children to win prizes for passing certain key times table tests. Using Times Table Rockstars will help your children achieve these goals and win some prizes!
If you have any queries about the use of this programme or are experiencing any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or a member of the school maths team.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Morris Mr Harrison Mr Burgess
Maths Team