Aim of the Game
Practise recalling times tables quickly and accurately in a fun, active way.
What You Need
- Cardboard pancakes with multiples of the chosen times table written on each one
- A small frying pan or plate
- A flat surface to place the pancakes
- Space for players to run safely
Game Setup
- Write the multiples of the chosen times table on cardboard pancakes (e.g., for the 3 times table: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15…).
- Place the pancakes face up on a table or flat surface.
- Have a frying pan ready for “flipping” the correct pancake.
How to Play
- Call out a times table question.
- Example: “What is 3 × 4?”
- Run to the table.
- The player must find the correct pancake with the answer (e.g., 12).
- Flip the pancake.
- Place it in the frying pan and run back to the start line.
- Check the answer.
- The answer is checked by another player or a teacher/parent.
- If correct, the player scores a point. If not, the pancake is returned to the table.
- Continue taking turns until all questions have been answered.
Variations
- Timed challenge: See how many correct pancakes a player can collect in a set time.
- Team relay: Players take turns running to get pancakes for their team.
- Mixed tables: Include pancakes from multiple times tables for extra challenge.
Educational Benefits
- Times Table Fluency: Encourages rapid recall of multiplication facts.
- Active Learning: Combines physical movement with mental maths.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Picking and flipping pancakes improves motor skills.
- Engagement: Turns learning into a game children love to play.
