Times Tables and Fractions
Mastered, Not Just Memorised
P2 introduces multiplication, division, and fractions simultaneously. Understanding — not rote — is what carries your child through P3 and beyond.
Why P2 Is the Year Multiplication Defines Everything After
Primary 2 is when Singapore's math syllabus introduces multiplication tables (×2, ×3, ×4, ×5, ×10) alongside division as the inverse operation — and also brings in fractions for the first time. These three concepts must be understood together, not just memorised in isolation. Children who learn times tables by rote without understanding what multiplication means will hit a wall when word problems require them to decide which operation to use.
The 2021 MOE update strengthened the emphasis on number sense and mental calculation at P2. Students are expected to use mental strategies for addition and subtraction, not just written methods. This is also the year where money word problems, volume, mass, and length conversions are introduced — increasing the complexity of problem types significantly from P1.
Many parents underestimate P2 because the individual topics seem manageable. The challenge is the breadth: seven new topic clusters in one year, all requiring application in word problems. Students who coast through P2 often find P3 arrives faster than expected — and the fractions work in P2 is directly foundational for everything that comes next.
×2–×10
P2 introduces all core multiplication tables in a single year
≤5
students per class — every multiplication gap is caught before P3
P2 fractions
1/2, 1/3, 1/4 introduced now are the basis of all P3–P5 fraction work
Signs Your P2 Child Needs Support
These patterns often appear before assessment results reflect the problem.
Recites tables but cannot apply them
Knows ×3 by heart but freezes when a word problem asks how many rows of 3 make 24.
Division goes backwards
Understands multiplication but consistently confuses the direction of division — the inverse relationship has not clicked.
Fractions feel arbitrary
Treats 1/4 and 2/4 as different things because they look different — has not grasped the concept of equivalence.
Money word problems take too long
Reads the question multiple times but still does not know which operation to apply — comprehension and math are not connecting.
Multi-step problems cause shutdown
When a word problem has two steps, they only solve one — or start the wrong one first.
Understands in class, forgets at home
Gets it when the teacher explains, then it evaporates. Short-term recall without deep encoding.
How MathArchery Develops True P2 Fluency
Led by Ms Elaine Goh — specialist primary math educator with students from P1 through P6.
Multiplication as Understanding, Not Speed
We teach times tables using arrays, equal groups, and number patterns — so students understand what 3 × 4 means before they memorise it. This builds flexible thinkers who can work backwards through division problems.
Division Built From the Ground Up
Rather than teaching division as a separate operation, we connect it explicitly to multiplication using the same arrays and groups. Students see immediately that ÷ is the reverse of ×, removing the confusion at the source.
Fraction Foundations That Last
We spend time on what a fraction represents before introducing operations. Students draw, fold, and compare fractions physically before working with symbols — building the intuition that P3 and P5 fraction work relies on.
Word Problem Decoding Strategies
We teach students to read word problems in a structured way — identify the known, identify the unknown, select the operation. This skill transfers across all topics and all future years.
P2 Curriculum Coverage
All topics follow the 2021 MOE Primary Mathematics syllabus
Numbers to 1,000
Counting in hundreds, place value, comparing and ordering three-digit numbers
Mental Calculation
Addition and subtraction strategies without written working; estimation
Multiplication
Times tables ×2, ×3, ×4, ×5, ×10; multiplication as repeated addition and arrays
Division
÷2, ÷3, ÷4, ÷5, ÷10; division as sharing and grouping; relationship with multiplication
Fractions
Unit fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4); equivalent fractions; comparing and ordering fractions
Money
Dollars and cents; addition and subtraction with money; calculating change
Length and Mass
Metres and centimetres; kilograms and grams; word problems with measurement
Volume and Time
Litres and millilitres; reading time to the minute; elapsed time; time intervals
Data — Bar Graphs
Reading and interpreting bar graphs; picture graphs with scales
Primary 2 Class Schedule
2026 Available Slots
Sunday
10.30am – 12.00pm
New Sunday slot now accepting enrolments for 2026. Class size capped at 5 students.
Fees
$280
per lesson · 1.5 hours
- ✓ Max 5 students per class
- ✓ All materials provided
- ✓ Makeup lessons for public holidays
What Parents Say
We are so grateful to have found Teacher Elaine. She is an incredibly patient and thorough math tutor who has made a huge difference in my son's learning. Her teaching style is clear and methodical, ensuring that my son fully understands each concept before moving on. We can see a significant boost in both his result and confidence. Highly recommend Teacher Elaine to anyone looking for a committed and effective tutor!
Ellysa poh
My girl has always been failing math and even if she happens to achieve a pass it will be a marginal one until we met Teacher Elaine. Within a short span of 5 months, my girl's results jumped one achievement level. From a child who detests Math to one who looks forward to her weekly lessons and eagerly attempting past year examination papers without any nagging on my part, I am overjoyed. Thank you Teacher Elaine for your selfless dedication and ultimate patience.
Eunice Sim
Frequently Asked Questions
My P2 child knows the times tables — do they still need tuition?
Knowing times tables by rote is a start, but it is not the same as fluency. If your child can recite 4 × 7 = 28 but struggles to solve word problems involving multiplication, the conceptual understanding is missing. We focus on building flexible multiplication thinking — so tables become a tool, not just a memory exercise.
How do you teach division when my child finds it confusing?
Division confusion almost always comes from learning it as a separate operation rather than as the inverse of multiplication. We use the same arrays and equal-group representations for both — so students see that 12 ÷ 3 = 4 is just the flip of 3 × 4 = 12. This connection usually resolves the confusion quickly.
When is the best time to enrol my child for P2 tuition?
Early in the year is best — Term 1 or Term 2. This gives time to build solid foundations before P2 SA1 and SA2, and allows Ms Elaine to identify any gaps before they carry into P3. If your child is already struggling mid-year, do not wait until next year — the gaps only widen.
Will my P2 child find the class too fast or too slow?
With a maximum of 5 students per class, Ms Elaine paces the session to match the group while giving individual attention to anyone who needs more time on a concept. It is very different from a school class of 30 where the pace is set for the average student.
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Secure a Trial Lesson for Your Child
Our P2 Sunday class is new and filling. Message us to check availability and book a trial.