The Journey
Discover how Cate, the founder of TABLES STICK, transformed her struggle with learning times tables into a creative teaching approach that sparks joy and understanding in children, ensuring they never feel the same frustration she once did.
Not the best start
Cate, founder of Tables Stick, struggles with learning times tables by rote at primary school – feels she’s not a maths person and she doesn’t like maths.
1980s
Getting better (but time-consuming)
Laminated times table cards, Velcro and a plastic counting stick are a big improvement – teachers love it - but it’s time consuming to make, only goes up to 10x, and still too abstract.
Early 2010s
The big idea
Cate has an idea! She wants to create a magnetic, bespoke version of a ‘counting stick’ – simple to use and specifically designed to support teaching times tables using a strategy-based mastery approach. She speaks with local Chambers of Commerce and business networks. Scary but exciting!
2017
Big steps
Connect with manufacturer (Anchor Magnets in Sheffield) and production begins - another big step!
Create a suite of YouTube videos for children to use at home to learn times tables using the Tables Stick strategy.
Create website and Tables Stick CPD for teachers.
2020
Learning together
Respond to feedback – children love Tables Stick so much they want their own mini version to use at home. Teachers love Tables Stick too and want a table-top version for small group work. We work together and the Mini Tables Stick is born!
2022
Growing impact
UK-wide growth and adoption.
Speak on podcast and at conferences – interest grows.
Change is happening! Exciting.
2024
1980s
2000s
2010s
2015
2019
2021
2023
Today
2017
2020
2022
2024
There must be another way
As a primary school teacher, Cate is determined that children don’t feel the same way about maths, especially times tables. Instead of endless drilling, she uses a metre stick and post-its to teach times tables. Lots of lightbulb moments, children love it and it really makes a difference – BUT the post-its fall off, and it’s too abstract.
Early 2000s
Making sense
Cate works with children to develop, refine and simplify a strategy-based approach to teaching times tables - chunking each times table into small groups of connected facts, building on what children already know – so the facts make sense and stick – still using plastic metre stick with cards and Velcro.
2015
Bringing it to life
Connect with Design Futures at Sheffield Hallam University, who start to bring the idea to life! Access funding and work together to design and create a Tables Stick prototype. Trial the prototype in schools, evaluate with children and teachers, refine and create the final product ready to take to a local manufacturer!
2019
Out into the world
Very exciting - Tables Stick goes out into the world.
Early adopters take Tables Stick onboard and love it! Word spreads as teachers see the impact on learning and maths confidence.
2021
A moment to celebrate
Celebrate selling the 1000th stick by visiting the school, Mosborough Primary in Sheffield, the city where Tables Stick was born and is made. Fantastic to meet the children and teachers who’ll be using it.
2023
The story continues...
On-demand CPD launches online, making the approach accessible anytime and anywhere.
Tables Stick continues to grow and evolve. Reaching more learners.
Join the journey!