A Visual Approach to Memorization

If you're a parent of a middle or high school student who still struggles to recall multiplication facts, you're not alone. Many bright, capable teens, especially those with dyslexia or dyscalculia, never fully mastered these foundational skills using traditional methods. That's why I use a story-based, visual program called Times Tales that helps older students finally lock in their facts and move forward with confidence.

What Is Times Tales and How Does It Work?

Times Tales is a visual, story-based multiplication facts program that transforms the traditional multiplication chart into memorable, image-rich stories. Rather than drilling numbers or relying purely on rote memorization, this method uses characters, colors, and mnemonic storytelling to help learners internalize multiplication facts in a way that aligns with how many minds, especially dyslexic minds, learn best.

Students watch brief animated tales, then practice using color-coded charts, printable worksheets, flashcards, and interactive quizzes. The course covers all multiplication facts from 1x1 up to 12x12, and also includes corresponding division review, ideal for building strong foundational fluency.

Why a Middle or High School Tutor Might Recommend a “Younger” Multiplication Program

You might think a multiplication facts program is only for early elementary school, but that’s not always the case.

• Many older students, even in middle or high school, still carry gaps in basic multiplication fluency. These gaps can make algebra, fractions, and higher-level math much harder.

• Traditional approaches, such as timed drills, flashcards, and repetitive worksheets, often fail for students who struggle with memory, processing speed, or learning differences like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

• As a tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of automatic recall of multiplication facts saps confidence, slows progress, and makes math feel frustrating or overwhelming. When students have to pause and calculate every basic fact, or rely entirely on a calculator, it drains the mental energy needed for higher-level thinking. It’s not that they can’t learn algebra or beyond, but without fluency in foundational skills, their reasoning often gets bogged down. Instead of focusing on solving equations or understanding concepts, they’re stuck doing mental math on every step. That kind of cognitive load becomes a barrier to deeper learning.

That’s why I was open to trying something different. When I used Times Tales with an older student, the change was striking.

How Times Tales Helps Students With Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

Because Times Tales uses multisensory instruction, combining visual stories, color coding, and mnemonic devices, it bypasses many of the common obstacles dyslexic or dyscalculic learners face. These types of strategies are well supported in both research and teaching practice, especially for students with learning differences.

The diagram above summarizes how Times Tales uses multisensory methods to create real results for learners, especially those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or memory challenges.

Visual memory, storytelling, and association techniques can help learners move facts into long-term memory more effectively than rote drills.

A helpful overview of how mnemonics support dyslexic learners can be found here: Dyslexia and Multiplication: The Power of Mnemonics

Here’s how and why it works:

• Memory becomes visual and narrative. Rather than remembering abstract numbers, students recall stories and images, which tend to stick longer than rote patterns.

• Reduced cognitive load. By anchoring facts to characters and scenes, students don’t have to keep “holding” digits in their head; the visuals do the work.

• Confidence over frustration. Many struggling learners see slow progress with traditional drills. With a story-based system, they experience early success, which builds confidence.

• Research backed results. According to a study conducted by Florida International University on students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), participants saw an average 70 to 80 percent increase in test scores after using Times Tales. On average, overall score improvements reached about 81 percent. Many students transitioned from immature “counting on” strategies to automatic fact retrieval. These outcomes were consistent with other similar studies.

You can read more about the study here: Times Tales Effectiveness – Statistical Analysis Report

Because of those advantages, the program can be especially powerful for students whose brains don’t respond well to conventional drills, yet still need solid math foundations.

Real Results: A Student’s Transformation Story

Here’s a real example from my tutoring practice:

I started working with a bright, creative student in middle school (let’s call her “Emma”) who has dyslexia. For years, memorizing multiplication facts had been a source of stress for her. Traditional methods—flashcards, timed quizzes, repetitive worksheets—just weren’t clicking.

We introduced Times Tales over a few tutoring sessions. The change was almost immediate. Rather than looking defeated or overwhelmed, Emma began showing curiosity. She started recalling facts more quickly and with noticeably more confidence. Errors dropped. Her pace improved. And something shifted: she believed she could learn her facts, even when she needed a gentle prompt. With a smile, she finds the answer waiting in the story.

That kind of turnaround isn’t just about math facts. It’s about restoring confidence, reshaping a student’s relationship with math, and laying a foundation for future success in algebra, geometry, and beyond.

How I Use Times Tales in My Tutoring Practice

Most older students I work with already know most of their multiplication facts. If there are just a few gaps, we can usually address those quickly with flashcards and focused practice.

But now and then, I meet a student who has not yet mastered the majority of their multiplication table. For these students, Times Tales can be a game changer.

I use a modified approach that works well with older learners:

• Identify who it’s for: I begin by assessing which facts a student is confident with and which ones are missing. If they struggle with a significant number of facts, I recommend Times Tales as an efficient way to build fluency.

• Accelerated pacing: Older students tend to move through the program more quickly. They do not need all of the games and extra activities included in the course. Instead, I guide them through the core of the program in just a few sessions.

• Direct instruction during tutoring: When a student has their own subscription, I can lead them through the program directly during our sessions. I focus on introducing the stories, checking for understanding, and reinforcing recall with targeted practice.

• Encourage ownership and follow-up: Because students must purchase their own subscription to participate in this approach, I direct families to my exclusive 10% discount through the link below. This way, they can continue reviewing and reinforcing the stories at home if needed.

Use this link to access the discount:
https://www.timestales.com/pages/math-mentor-tutoring

Want to Try Times Tales?

If your child is still struggling with multiplication facts and traditional methods have not worked, Times Tales could be a strong next step. I recommend it most often for students who are missing a significant number of facts and benefit from a visual, story-based approach.

Through my partnership with Times Tales, any family can receive an exclusive 10% discount, whether or not they currently work with me for tutoring. You can access the discount here:
https://www.timestales.com/pages/math-mentor-tutoring

For families I do work with directly, this purchase also allows me to lead your child through a streamlined version of the program during our sessions. This modified approach is especially helpful for older students who can move at a faster pace and do not need the full set of games and activities.

If you’re not sure whether your child is a good fit for Times Tales, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to answer questions or help you decide.

Isn’t Times Tales just for young elementary kids?

Not at all. While the stories are designed with younger learners in mind, the method is highly effective for older students who never fully mastered their multiplication facts.

In fact, I’ve worked with young adults who are post-high school and preparing for college entrance exams like the Accuplacer — a placement test used by many community colleges and technical schools to assess readiness in subjects like math, reading, and writing.

For these students, Times Tales offers a fast, low-pressure way to finally conquer a skill that has held them back for years. The story-based approach helps them move from frustration to fluency, often within just a few sessions. Once their multiplication facts are automatic, they can focus on the algebra and problem-solving skills needed for success on exams and in college coursework.

How long does it take to see results?

Many students show noticeable progress after just one session. It's common for learners to walk away from their very first lesson with several multiplication facts fully secured.

For students who are a good fit, the entire set of facts can often be mastered in just a few sessions. The method is efficient because it taps into how the brain naturally remembers stories and images — not just numbers.

Times Tales also offers a 30-day guarantee, so families can explore the program with confidence. You can read more about it and access the discount here:
https://www.timestales.com/pages/math-mentor-tutoring

Is Times Tales really effective for dyslexic or dyscalculic learners?

Yes. The program was studied specifically with students identified as having learning disabilities. The results showed an average 70–80% improvement in basic multiplication fact recall, and many participants shifted from inefficient strategies like “counting on” to automatic fact retrieval.

Final Thoughts: From a Tutor Who’s Seen It Work

As a middle and high school math tutor, I’ve seen how much easier math becomes when foundational skills like multiplication facts are automatic. I’ve also seen how many capable, hardworking students have never fully mastered those facts, not because they aren’t trying, but because traditional methods just didn’t work for how their brains learn.

Sometimes, the task of memorizing dozens of isolated facts feels overwhelming. Other times, students hit a wall early on and simply stopped trying because the tools they were given weren’t designed for them.

Students don’t outgrow learning challenges. But with the right support, they can absolutely overcome them.

That’s why I’m proud to recommend Times Tales. It’s not a cute kids’ program. It’s a proven, brain friendly method that helps students of all ages build confidence and fluency quickly and with far less stress.

Older students, in particular, often move through the program more quickly. They don’t need all of the games and activities. Instead, I guide them through the core of the program in just a few sessions, with a focus on securing facts efficiently so they can move forward in their math journey.

If your child is in middle school, high school or even beyond, and they still haven’t mastered multiplication facts, it’s not too late. Times Tales can give them the boost they need to finally cross this skill off their list and build momentum.

If you’d like help integrating Times Tales into your child’s learning plan, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help.

And remember, access to the discount is available to all. Just follow the link:https://www.timestales.com/pages/math-mentor-tutoring

Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Math Mentor Tutoring!

Want Personalized Help Using Times Tales?

If you think your child could benefit from this approach but would like guidance along the way, I’d love to help. I work with students in 6th grade and up — including teens and young adults — to rebuild foundational skills like multiplication facts in a way that’s visual, encouraging, and effective.

Whether you’re already working with me or are exploring support for the first time, I offer individualized tutoring that builds confidence and closes learning gaps.

Visit my website to learn more or schedule a free consultation:
https://mathmentortutoring.com

About the Author

Beth Bowen, founder of Math Mentor Tutoring, helps students in 6th grade and up build confidence, reduce math anxiety, and strengthen essential skills. As a certified classroom teacher, longtime homeschool mom of three, and experienced tutor, she specializes in working with teens and young adults who feel “behind” in math — especially those who learn differently.

Beth brings a warm, encouraging approach to helping students overcome foundational gaps, including multiplication fact fluency, and prepares them for success in middle and high school math as well as placement exams like the Accuplacer and ACT.

She believes that needing a different pace or method isn't a weakness — it’s often the key to unlocking a student’s potential. Whether a learner is dyslexic, anxious, or just tired of feeling stuck, Beth helps turn small wins into lasting progress.

Connect with Mrs. Beth:
Website: https://mathmentortutoring.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.bowen.9279
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-bowen-math-mentor-tutoring
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MathMentorTutoring
Google Business: https://share.google/RfAMV6jiWSZnRLF02

References & Further Reading

• Times Tales Statistical Study
  Florida International University. Effects of a Multisensory Approach to the Mastery of Basic Multiplication Facts on Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities.
  Read the full analysis

• How Mnemonics Help Dyslexic Learners
  Teaching With a Twist. Dyslexia and Multiplication: The Power of Mnemonics.
  View article

• Times Tales Program Overview
  Times Tales. A Visual, Story-Based Approach to Multiplication Mastery.
  Explore the program