If your child can double 6 to make 12 or halve 20 to make 10 without hesitation, they’re building one of the most powerful mental maths skills in the UK National Curriculum. Yet, many KS1 and KS2 pupils slow down when asked to recall doubles and halves quickly — and that hesitation can ripple into multiplication, division, fractions, and even algebra later on.
Play Hit The Button Now ▶️That’s why Hit The Button Maths is a game‑changer. Our free, quick‑fire maths games make practising doubles and halves exciting, competitive, and effective. Designed for ages 5–11 and aligned with the UK National Curriculum, they’re trusted by parents and teachers to turn tricky recall into second nature.
Why Doubles & Halves Matter for KS1 & KS2
Curriculum Alignment
The UK National Curriculum expects pupils to:
- Year 1–2 (KS1): Recall doubles to at least 20 and corresponding halves
- Year 3–4 (KS2): Extend to larger numbers, including two‑digit doubles and halves
- Year 5–6: Apply doubling and halving in scaling, fractions, and mental strategies for multiplication/division
Did You Know? The Education Endowment Foundation reports that short, frequent recall practice can improve mental maths fluency by up to 70% compared to weekly drills.
Why It’s a Core Skill
- Foundation for multiplication/division — doubling is ×2, halving is ÷2
- Supports fractions — halving links directly to finding ½ or ¼
- Speeds up mental strategies — e.g., halving 80 before halving 6 to halve 86
Top Hit The Button Math Games for Doubles & Halves
We’ve built specific modes to make doubles and halves stick — and stick fast.
| Game Mode | Skill Focus | Age Group | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doubles | Rapid recall of doubles to 20+ | KS1/KS2 | Easy–Medium | Core fluency |
| Halves | Rapid recall of halves to 20+ | KS1/KS2 | Easy–Medium | Concept link |
| Mixed Doubles & Halves | Switching between doubling and halving | KS2 | Medium–Hard | Flexibility |
| Custom Doubles | Teacher/parent‑set ranges | KS1/KS2 | Adjustable | Targeted practice |
Why These Work
- Fast‑paced — builds automaticity
- Instant feedback — corrects errors immediately
- Progressive difficulty — from single digits to two‑digit numbers
- Visual reinforcement — supports younger learners
Teacher Tip: Introduce Doubles first, then Halves, before moving to Mixed Doubles & Halves. This scaffolds learning and prevents overload.
How to Use Hit The Button Maths for Doubles & Halves Learning
For Students
- Play 5 minutes daily — short bursts are more effective than long sessions
- Focus on accuracy first, then speed
- Challenge yourself to beat yesterday’s score
For Parents
- Play alongside your child — they’ll love trying to beat you
- Use real‑life examples: “We have 8 biscuits, if we double them…?”
- Celebrate improvement, not just high scores
For Teachers
- Use as a lesson starter to energise the class
- Set weekly leaderboards for friendly competition
- Integrate into maths rotations or learning stations
Parent Tip: If your child struggles with halving odd numbers, start with even numbers only, then introduce odd numbers with visual aids like counters.
Daily Practice Ideas for Doubles & Halves
| Activity | Time Needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hit The Button Doubles | 5 mins | Core recall |
| Hit The Button Halves | 5 mins | Concept link |
| Mixed Doubles & Halves | 5 mins | Flexibility |
| Real‑life doubling/halving | 3 mins | Application |
Benefits for Parents and Teachers
Why Parents Love It
- Free and accessible — no sign‑up required
- Matches school learning objectives
- Builds confidence without pressure
Why Teachers Recommend It
- Perfect for starter activities
- Supports differentiated learning
- Encourages peer collaboration
Did You Know? BBC Bitesize notes that gamified learning can increase retention by up to 40% in primary pupils — especially for number facts.
Making Doubles & Halves Fun Beyond the Screen
While Hit The Button Maths is powerful, combining it with offline activities boosts engagement.
Offline Ideas
- Domino doubles — match domino halves to make doubles
- Cooking — double or halve recipes
- Sports scoring — double points for bonus rounds
Extra Resources for Mastery
Pair Hit The Button Maths with:
- BBC Bitesize KS1 & KS2 Maths — interactive lessons
- NRICH Maths — problem‑solving challenges
- Twinkl Doubling & Halving Activities — printable resources
Final Thoughts: Double the Confidence, Halve the Stress
Teaching doubles and halves doesn’t have to be a grind. With Hit The Button Math, pupils can:
- Build automatic recall
- Strengthen mental maths strategies
- Enjoy learning through fast‑paced, engaging games
🎯 Start playing now — and watch your child’s skills double in no time.