I first developed this activity as I tried to meet the needs of an older student who had difficulty learning the three times table despite worksheets, drill and computer games. This student needed a different approach and this product has evolved as another strategy you can try. When it works, it is magic. I have had students learn the sequence of multiples and begin applying the sequence to the times tables under an hour using this method.

Start by making sure the student understands the concept of 'lots of 7'. I do this with cheap poker chips and have them tape seven together and record the sequence. You can skip this step if your learner understands this. The learner also needs to understand the terminology of 'multiple' and if this is the obstacle, they need to hear the term over and over, preferably while they have hands-on experience with 'lots of': "You have three lots of seven. That makes twenty-one. Twenty-one is a multiple of seven because there are three lots of seven in twenty-one." Adjust the language to the ability of the student. I have the lots of seven in a row in front of the student and write the multiples under them up to 84. They repeat the multiple sequence. I mask one multiple and get them to write what's missing, then, as proficiency increases, I mask more until they can write them all. Then I get them to close their eyes and say them from memory. This may take a few attempts.

Introduce the STEPPING STONES board. I use Crayola wipe-off crayons on a laminated board and they wipe off easily, leaving no trace of the sequence. Once the student has the idea, have them track the sequence and time them. Record the time. The legend has times I have devised over many years with a range of students. They have no scientific value at all, but I find kids love trying to beat their time and the repetition means they will, eventually, be able to write the sequence quite fluently without the benefit of the board.

Once a students knows the sequence apply it to their fingers. Five times seven is five fingers up and reciting the sequence until thirty-five is identified. At this stage they will probably still be slow, but they will have mastered the 7x table to at least 10x7. To build automaticity play motivating games that they will want to play over and over. Send them home for family fun time as I have found enormous progress if this is done daily for a week or two. Computer games and times tables fluency sheets will work as well, but vary the ways you consolidate for maximum effectiveness.

This game is also available as part of a large bundle that targets the 7x table. I have combined a workbooks, games and activities to meet a variety of needs. There is no one way to learn tables, but there is value in using games for the social interaction and fun.