Times Tales

Name: Times Tales
Brand: Trigger Memory Systemshttp://www.TimesTales.com

by Trigger Memory Systemshttp://www.TimesTales.com

MathGrades 3–4

About This Curriculum

A story-based mnemonic multiplication program that uses animated number characters and memorable tales to help students quickly memorize the most challenging times tables (3×6 through 9×9).

What makes it unique: Transforms abstract multiplication facts into memorable visual stories using number characters, enabling students to master difficult times tables in as little as 2 weeks through right-brain, mnemonic-based learning rather than rote drilling.

Times Tales: Story-Based Mnemonic Multiplication Program

Times Tales is a specialized multiplication program that uses animated number characters and memorable stories to teach the most challenging times tables (3×6 through 9×9) to grades 3-4 students. The curriculum employs visual mnemonics and narrative-based learning to help students quickly memorize difficult multiplication facts through entertaining stories rather than traditional drill methods.

Best for

Students in grades 3-4 who struggle with traditional multiplication fact memorization methods and would benefit from visual, story-based mnemonics, particularly those with learning difficulties or strong visual/auditory learning preferences

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 3 concerns · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum includes multiple forms of retrieval practice through quizzes, flashcards, and games embedded throughout the program.

Reviews mention quiz-show style questions, flashcard practice pages, crossword puzzles, and tests, with students taking quizzes after story learning

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The program uses a targeted mastery approach, focusing exclusively on the most difficult multiplication facts in a structured sequence.

The curriculum specifically targets facts 3×6 through 9×9 that students find most challenging, with a two-part structure that allows time for mastery between sections

Visual RepresentationsStrength

The curriculum makes extensive use of visual mnemonics through number characters and animated stories to support memory.

Numbers are drawn as characters (Mr. and Mrs. Snowman for 8, butterfly for 3), with visual stories that help students create mental pictures for recall

Word ProblemsConcern

The program does not appear to include systematic word problem instruction, focusing instead on fact memorization.

Reviews describe story-based mnemonics for multiplication facts but do not mention application to word problems or real-world contexts

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum appears designed for minimal teacher preparation, with video-based instruction that requires little mathematical background.

Reviews emphasize the program as 'student-led' and mention it 'does the teaching for you,' but no mention of teacher guides or mathematical support materials

Conceptual Procedural BalanceConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes procedural fluency through memorization with minimal conceptual development of multiplication meaning.

Reviews consistently describe the program as focused on memorizing facts through stories, with no mention of building understanding of multiplication concepts or strategies

Direct InstructionNeutral

The program provides structured video instruction but appears to focus on story presentation rather than explicit mathematical instruction.

The video component 'does the teaching for you' through animated story presentations, but reviews don't describe explicit instruction on multiplication concepts

Assessment DiagnosticNeutral

The curriculum includes quizzes and tests for checking fact mastery but does not appear to provide diagnostic assessment of mathematical understanding.

Reviews mention various quizzes and tests for checking story and fact recall, but no mention of diagnostic tools for identifying conceptual gaps

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

The program does not appear to use traditional worked examples, instead relying on story-based mnemonics for fact recall.

Reviews describe animated stories and character interactions but do not mention step-by-step problem-solving demonstrations or mathematical procedures

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, homeschoolgiveaways.com