The Trigger Memory Co.: Times Tales {TOS Review}

Mercie, my 8 year old, has been struggling to learn her multiplication tables. I am a firm believer that a child should master their multiplication tables before moving on to division {I don't teach them together}. I was extremely satisfied with The Trigger Memory Co.'s Times Tales. We were sent the digital version of the videos, Part 1 and Part 2, and the printables available for Part 1 and Part 2.

What is Times Tales?

Times Tales is a video-based program that teaches your child many of the upper multiplication facts through characters and stories. Your child will go through a 30-minute video for each part {there are two parts}, learning the characters and stories, playing a game show-like quiz, and utilizing printable worksheets and games.

How does Times Tales Work?

Each number is a character. For example, the 6 is "The Sixth Grade Class". The six is represented by children with a 6 for a head. The 8 is "Mrs. Snowman", as the 8 is shaped like a snowman. The characters are very simple to remember. The video introduces the characters first, making sure the child remembers the characters before moving on.

The multiplication facts are presented as stories, with the number characters. An example of a story is this:

The chair represents the 4, and the problem becomes 6 x 4 = 24. The story helps your child remember the number family. The stories must be remembered in order, or the facts could be wrong.

After the stories are played, there is a quiz for your child. The characters are shown, and the child must pause the video and retell the story in order.

Then, there are "flashcards" that your child must pause the video for and give the correct answer.

There are also printable worksheets, crossword puzzles, flashcards, and dice to play with. The printables are separated into Part 1 and Part 2, just like the videos are. This is very helpful.

What did we think?

I was skeptical at first, to be honest. I figured it would be fun to watch, but that they would not retain much.

Boy, was I wrong! I knew from the first 5 minutes of watching the video that this was totally different! My daughter, who has a lot of difficulty memorizing things, already knew the characters! After watching the video one time, my daughter knew all the facts presented. We printed off the flashcards, and she uses them every few days to keep her memory fresh. At first, she was having to repeat the story. She would say, "Okay, Mrs. Weeks taught 6th grade. She had 42 students, so 7 times 6 is 42!" Now, she can glance at the flashcard and shoot out the answer. Sometimes, she does have to remind herself of the story {which is totally fine with me!}, and she can produce the answer in less than 5 seconds. This is an amazing thing for Mercie.

She loves to use the printable dice! We take turn rolling them, answering as fast as we can! She also loves to complete the "drill" worksheets, and can finish them in no time!

I love the fact that there are two versions of the drill worksheets - one with the facts presented as characters {Mrs. Weeks x Mrs. Snowman}, and one with just the numbers {7x8}. I let her do the character worksheet first, and then the number worksheet.

I love the flashcards! They are available both ways, also - one set with characters and one with numbers. We only printed the number set.

I am so impressed with this program! I love the way the information is presented. I love the way there are worksheets and activities available. I love the characters, and my daughter does, too! I can't wait to use this with my almost 6-year old son. I am going to recommend this to all of my friends with children learning their multiplication tables!

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