Lesson Guide
Explanation
The 2 times table is just doubling — adding a number to itself. 7 × 2 is 7 + 7 = 14. You already know most doubles from adding! Notice every answer is even: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. If you ever get an odd answer in the 2s, something slipped.
Your Turn
Say the 2s out loud from 2 to 20. Then quick-fire: 6 × 2? 9 × 2? Check: 12 and 18.
Watch Out
Doubling teen numbers later? Double the ten, double the ones: double 13 = 20 + 6 = 26.
Explanation
Here's the trick that makes the 4s easy: 4 is double 2, so × 4 means double TWICE. For 6 × 4: double 6 is 12, double 12 is 24. Done! You never need to memorise the 4s from scratch — they're built from doubles you already own.
Your Turn
Double-double: 3 × 4, 8 × 4, 5 × 4. Check: 6→12; 16→32; 10→20.
Watch Out
The second double is the one people rush. Double 14 carefully: 14 + 14 = 28 (not 26!).
Explanation
And 8 is double 4, so × 8 means double THREE times. The famously hard 7 × 8? Double 7 is 14, double 14 is 28, double 28 is 56. Whisper 'double, double, double' as you go. The 2s, 4s and 8s are one family — each table is just one more double than the last.
Your Turn
Triple-double: 4 × 8 and 6 × 8. Check: 8→16→32; and 12→24→48.
Watch Out
Keep track of how many doubles you have done — three for ×8. Fingers help: one finger per double.
Explanation
Look at the family pattern for any number: 6 × 2 = 12, 6 × 4 = 24, 6 × 8 = 48 — each answer is double the one before. So if you're ever stuck on an 8s fact, find the 4s fact and double it; stuck on a 4s fact, double the 2s fact. The family always helps you climb.
Your Turn
Build the family for 9: 9 × 2, 9 × 4, 9 × 8. Check: 18, 36, 72 — each double the last.
Watch Out
The doubling ladder only connects ×2 → ×4 → ×8. It does NOT reach ×3 or ×5 — different families!
Explanation
Speed comes in three layers: facts you just KNOW (say them instantly), facts you build from a neighbour (7 × 4? double 7 × 2), and new ones you climb with the doubling ladder. Every day, a few more facts move into the 'just know it' layer. Practise a little every day — that's how tables stick.
Your Turn
One minute challenge: 3×2, 6×4, 2×8, 9×2, 4×4, 5×8, 8×2, 7×4. Check: 6, 24, 16, 18, 16, 40, 16, 28.
Watch Out
Fast but wrong helps nobody. Accuracy first — speed follows by itself.
Step 1: Introduction
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