Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Multiply Pinball Arcade: Free Printable Game for Year 3
- ForYear 3
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Multiply Pinball Arcade is a free printable maths game for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8). Children roll two dice, hit a bumper and write their score. They practise the 3, 4 and 8 times tables while trying to beat the family high score. It needs two dice and a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up help ideas, a stretch task and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children play an arcade style game on paper. There is a table to fill in with columns for the round, the ball dice, the bumper and the score. A warm up section gives short pinball questions, such as a ball hitting a bumper, and children write the score for each. There is also a puzzle that works backwards from a score to the ball. Each bumper is a times table, so every score is a multiplication fact.
- Warm up. Ball 6 hits the ×3 bumper. Score:
- Ball 4 hits the ×4 bumper. Score:
- Ball 5 hits the ×8 bumper. Score:
- Ball 3 hits the ×8 bumper. Score:
- Which ball scores 15 on the ×3 bumper?
- Round
- Ball dice
- Bumper
- Score
A different pinball question
Ball 2 hits the ×7 bumper. What is the score?
This is a different question from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways to find a score.
Method 1: repeated addition- The ball is 2, so make 2 groups of 7.
- Write 7 + 7.
- 7 + 7 = 14.
- Count in steps of 7, one step for each ball.
- Say the first step: 7.
- Say the second step: 14. Two steps means two groups.
Build your own arcade
Make a high score board
Use a piece of card and a marker. Write the family high score at the top. Leave space underneath to add new scores and the name of each player.
Make bumper cards
Cut small circles from scrap paper. Write a times table sign on each one, such as ×3 or ×4. Players can draw a card to choose their bumper for the round.
Draw a pinball table
Sketch a large pinball machine on paper. Add bumpers, ramps and a launcher. Label each bumper with a multiplication sign and use it for extra rounds.
Make a score tracker
Draw a simple chart with a row for each player. After every round, write the score and add it to the running total.
Why play games to learn times tables?
Times tables are a set of multiplication facts that children use again and again. Knowing them well makes later maths easier, including division, fractions and area. In Year 3, the National Curriculum for England expects children to recall and use the multiplication facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables. Regular, short practice helps these facts stay in memory.
A game gives children a reason to keep practising. Rolling dice and chasing a high score adds fun and a little excitement. Children say facts out loud, check each other and try again when they want a better score. Playing with family or classmates also gets them talking about how they worked something out.
Skills and curriculum link
- Times tables recall
- Multiplication facts
- Rolling and recording
- Checking answers
- Working backwards
- Taking turns
Helpful times table ideas
- Groups ofMultiplying means finding the total of equal groups. Three groups of four is a multiplication. Drawing groups can help a child see what the sign means.
- Order does not matterMultiplying two numbers gives the same result either way round. This halves the number of facts a child has to learn.
- DoublingThe 8 times table is double the 4 times table. The 4 times table is double the 2 times table. Doubling is a useful way to check a fact.
- Counting in stepsSkip counting in 3s, 4s or 8s builds the pattern of each table. Saying each step out loud helps children remember the sequence.
Key words
- MultiplyFind the total of equal groups. It is repeated addition.
- ProductThe answer you get when you multiply two numbers.
- Times tableA list of multiplication facts for one number.
- BumperThe part of the game that tells you which number to multiply by.
- ScoreThe number of points you win in a round.
- TotalAll the scores added together.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for the grown up.
- Read the rules together before you start. Make sure every player understands how a round works.
- Give each player two dice and a pencil. Take turns to play and write each score in the table.
- Check scores together using the answers on page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?"
- Compare totals with the family high score. Come back another day to try to beat it.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Let your child count in steps of 3, 4 or 8 on a number line to find each score. Say each number out loud and use a finger to mark each step. Start with the warm up questions before playing a whole game.
To stretch confident children
Add a ×2 bumper and play six rounds. Before checking, ask each player to guess their score. Then work it out and see who was closest. Keep a running total across all the rounds.
Make it a game
Write the best total on the fridge as the family high score. Challenge everyone to beat it next time. Each player can choose a favourite bumper for a bonus round. Cheer every personal best, not only the winner.
Talk about it
- Which times table do you find easiest? Why do you think that is?
- How could you check a score without using the table?
- What pattern can you see when you count in steps of 4?
- Is there a way to use one fact to help you find another?
- If you could add a new bumper, which number would you pick?
- Which round was your best, and what made it a good one?
Take it off the page
Skip counting walk
Walk around the garden or a room and take a step for each number. Count in 3s, 4s or 8s out loud. Stop and say how many steps you have counted.
Toy groups
Use small toys or buttons to make equal groups. Ask how many groups there are and how many are in each. Write the multiplication that matches.
Times table songs
Make up a short chant for one times table. Clap on each step. Teach it to a family member and see if they can join in.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit with your child for the first round, then let them lead. Keep sessions short and cheerful. If they struggle, count in steps together and praise the effort, not only the correct score.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary or early finisher task for work on the 3, 4 and 8 times tables. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with number lines, counters and everyday talk about groups. You can reuse it for brothers and sisters or for a later revision session.
Where this fits
Before this game, children count in steps of 2, 5 and 10 and understand multiplication as equal groups. They may also have met the 2, 5 and 10 times tables in Year 2. Those patterns make the 3, 4 and 8 tables easier to learn.
After this, children move on to the 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 times tables in Key Stage 2. They then use these facts for division, fractions, area and multiplying larger numbers. Quick recall of tables is a useful tool all the way through primary maths.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Multiply Pinball Arcade for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Older children who need to practise the 3, 4 and 8 times tables can also enjoy it. Younger confident children may enjoy it with support.
- What will children practise?
Children practise recalling multiplication facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables. They also practise rolling dice, recording scores in a table and checking their answers, all inside a game they can play again and again.
- How do I play?
Each player needs two dice and a pencil. Take turns, follow the rules on page 1, and write each score in the table. At the end, compare totals with the family high score and see who can beat it.
- What if it feels too hard?
Let your child count in steps of 3, 4 or 8 on a number line to find each score. Start with the warm up questions, say the numbers out loud and play a few rounds at a time.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it as many times as you like, so it works for brothers, sisters, small groups or a later revision session.
- How long does it take?
It depends on how many rounds you play. Keep each game short and stop when your child has had enough. Two quick games are better than one long one, and you can play again another day.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.