Hannah, As a fifth grade teacher, I wish my kids came to me knowing the times tables (as well as addition and subtraction facts!). I believe that knowing the basic facts (in all four operations) is as important in math as knowing the alphabet is in language arts. If my kids do not know that 6 x 3 = 18, they will not see the relationship between 60 and 180, or 30 and 180. In fifth grade, we deal with multiplication and division of higher numbers; if the students have a strong math facts background I believe they will be more successful when manipulating larger numbers. I have my students practice math facts every day in class because they are very weak in this area. I would love to be able to free up this time for 10 minute math, or more time with the lessons.
