“Uh oh… the Year 4 multiplication test is coming!”
Don’t panic. Don’t cry. And definitely don’t flush your maths confidence down the toilet 💩
The good news? With a little daily practice, the 2026 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) can actually become fun.
At Poop Learning, we believe kids learn best when they laugh, smile, and feel relaxed. That’s why our silly multiplication workbooks, audiobooks, and games are designed to help children practise times tables without the stress.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What the 2026 MTC is
- How the test works
- What children need to know
- Easy ways parents can help at home
- Fun multiplication practice ideas that actually work
Let’s dive in!
What Is the 2026 Multiplication Tables Check?
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a short online test taken by children in Year 4 across England.
The goal is simple:
Children should be able to quickly answer multiplication questions up to 12 × 12.
The check helps schools see whether children have mastered their times tables before moving into more advanced maths.
How Does the MTC Work?
Here’s what children can expect during the 2026 multiplication check:
The Format
- 25 multiplication questions
- Online test completed on a computer or tablet
- Children have 6 seconds to answer each question
- Questions go up to 12 × 12
- The test usually takes less than 5 minutes
Example Questions
- 6 × 7
- 12 × 8
- 9 × 4
- 3 × 11
The questions appear one at a time, and children type their answers.
Why Are Times Tables So Important?
Times tables are like the “superpower” of maths.
When children know multiplication facts quickly, it helps with:
- Division
- Fractions
- Word problems
- Mental maths
- Confidence in the classroom
Without strong times tables knowledge, maths can feel slow and frustrating.
But when children know them well?
Everything becomes easier.
What Should Children Know for the 2026 MTC?
By the end of Year 4, children should know:
- All multiplication facts from 1–12
- Division facts linked to multiplication
- Answers quickly and confidently
The trick is not just knowing the answer…
It’s remembering it fast.
That’s why regular short practice sessions work much better than long stressful ones.
The Best Way to Prepare for the MTC
Professor Poop says:
“Little and often beats giant boring maths sessions every time!”
And he’s right.
Try This Daily Routine
5 Minutes — Quick Fire Questions
Ask simple multiplication questions:
- 2 × 8
- 5 × 6
- 9 × 4
Keep it light and encouraging.
5 Minutes — Fun Practice
Use:
- Flashcards
- Multiplication songs
- Workbooks
- Audiobooks
- Printable games
2 Minutes — Celebrate Wins
Even small progress matters.
High-fives work surprisingly well.
So do silly victory dances.
Fun Ways to Practise Times Tables at Home
1. Use Funny Multiplication Books
Kids remember things better when they’re having fun.
That’s why silly themes like poop jokes, slime monsters, and crazy characters can actually help children stay engaged for longer.
Funny learning = less pressure.
2. Listen to Multiplication Audiobooks
Some children learn better by hearing information repeated aloud.
Try listening during:
- Car journeys
- Breakfast
- Bedtime wind-down
- School runs
Audio repetition helps multiplication facts stick in the brain naturally.
3. Turn Practice Into a Game
Try:
- Times table bingo
- Beat-the-timer challenges
- Multiplication treasure hunts
- Flashcard races
Children often learn fastest when they don’t realise they’re “studying.”
4. Focus on the Tricky Tables
Most children find these hardest:
- 6s
- 7s
- 8s
- 9s
- 12s
Spend extra time practising these in small chunks.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Practising for Too Long
Children get tired quickly.
10 focused minutes is usually better than an hour of stress.
Only Using Worksheets
Worksheets help — but variety matters.
Mix in:
- Games
- Audio
- Visual charts
- Movement activities
Focusing Only on Speed
Confidence comes first.
Accuracy matters more than rushing.
Speed improves naturally over time.
Easy Multiplication Tricks Kids Love
The 9 Times Table Finger Trick
Hold up 10 fingers.
To calculate 9 × 4:
- Fold down finger number 4
- You’ll see 3 fingers before it and 6 after it
- Answer = 36
Kids LOVE this one.
Spotting Patterns
Many tables have patterns:
- 5s end in 0 or 5
- 10s end in 0
- Doubles help with 4s and 8s
Pattern spotting builds confidence fast.
How to Help Children Feel Calm Before the Test
The MTC is designed to help schools — not to scare children.
Here’s how to reduce nerves:
- Avoid calling it a “big exam”
- Keep practice fun
- Praise effort, not perfection
- Remind children mistakes are normal
A calm child learns much faster than a stressed one.
Free Practice Ideas for Parents
Try creating:
- A multiplication reward chart
- A “Times Tables Champion” certificate
- A daily sticker challenge
- A silly maths quiz night
You can also create a “Poop Points” system where children earn points for every correct answer 💩
Yes, it sounds ridiculous.
Yes, children absolutely love it.
Final Thoughts: The 2026 MTC Doesn’t Need to Be Scary
With daily practice, encouragement, and fun resources, children can build amazing multiplication confidence before the 2026 Multiplication Tables Check.
Remember:
- Keep practice short
- Make learning fun
- Celebrate progress
- Laugh often
Because maths works best when children feel happy.
And maybe just a little bit silly too 💩
Explore More Fun Maths Resources
Looking for more multiplication practice ideas?
Visit Poop Learning for:
- Funny multiplication workbooks
- Slime-themed maths practice
- Printable resources
- Multiplication audiobooks
- Daily practice activities for kids