Doubling as Preparation for Multiplication Tables

Many children have difficulty with tables. Although it is an advantage to become 'automatic' with tables it is best if there is understanding and a way of working out the answer by logic rather than just the rote learning that comes from just chanting or singing the table.

Doubling numbers helps to develop this deeper understanding of Tables.

Double two the answer is four
Shoes If there’s two pair of joggers at the door.
2 + 2 = 4
2 X 2 = 4

Double three and you’ll have six
Sometimes you see this in candlesticks.
3 + 3 = 6
2 X 3 = 6

Double four and you’ll have eight
Legs on two cows waiting at a gate.
4 + 4 = 8
2 X 4 = 8

Double five the answer is ten
Players on a court for basketball then.
5 + 5 =10
2 X 5 =10

Double six and twelve you’ll make
Ants legs running on a picnic cake.
6 + 6 = 12
2 X 6 = 12

Double seven is fourteen.
Players on a netball court to be seen.
7 + 7 = 14
2 X 7 = 14

Double eight you’ll have sixteen
Rowers in two boats on the water green
8 + 8 =16
2 X 8 =16

Double nine and eighteen pins there’ll be
In two lanes of a bowling alley.
9 + 9 =18
2 X 9 = 18

Double ten and there’ ll be twenty
Digits on one body and that’s plenty.
ten fingers + ten toes twenty digits but only one nose.
10 + 10 = 20
2 X 10 = 20

Double eleven is twenty two
Players on a hockey field now we’re nearly through.
11 + 11 = 22
2 X 11 = 22

Double twelve is twenty four
Hours in a day and there can’t be more.
12 + 12 = 24
2 X 12 = 24