The Primary Maths Podcast Why Times Tables Still Matter and How to Teach Them Better with Cate Fearn
Nov 11, 2025
48:51
Few areas of primary maths cause as much debate as times tables.
We all agree they matter, but how pupils develop fluency, understanding and confidence is still up for discussion.
In this episode, Jon Cripwell talks to Cate Fearn — primary educator, maths specialist and creator of Table Stick, a classroom tool designed to make multiplication practice more engaging and sticky.
Together they explore:
- Why early experiences of times-table teaching can shape maths attitudes for life
- What true fluency means beyond rapid recall – and how efficiency, accuracy and flexibility all play a part
- The importance of teaching multiplication conceptually, not just testing it
- How manipulatives such as counting sticks, Numicon and ten-frames can deepen understanding
- Why little-and-often conceptual teaching beats weekly chanting or random testing
- How landmark facts, patterns and connections (like doubles and square numbers) help pupils build lasting recall
- Practical strategies for teachers to model quick reasoning without fear or pressure
- Cate’s story of transforming her own struggles with maths into a passion for helping others, and the journey behind the Table Stick resource
Whether you’re a maths lead, class teacher, or TA, this conversation will help you rethink how pupils learn their times tables — not just memorise them.