“I Was the First Student of Times Tales” — A Conversation on Maths, Memory, and Homeschooling with Meagan Flanagan from Times Tales

 

Does Times Tales Really Work? How This Visual Programme Helps Kids Master Multiplication

If your child is struggling with maths, especially between Grades 4 and 7, one of the biggest reasons might be that they haven’t memorised their times tables.

As a maths educator and homeschooler, I’ve seen over and over again how not knowing multiplication facts slows learners down. They either guess — leading to errors — or take too long working it out, and run out of time. It affects everything: fractions, percentages, decimals, and even algebra. It also knocks their confidence just when they’re starting to move from concrete to more abstract thinking in maths.

That’s why I was excited to speak with Meagan Flanagan from Times Tales — a mnemonic-based programme that teaches multiplication through visual stories. It’s fun, effective, and particularly useful for children with dyslexia or dyscalculia. It also works beautifully for homeschoolers who need something that doesn’t rely on rote memorisation.

You can now get Times Tales at 15% off (use discount coupon ANGELA15ANGELA) exclusively through my new platform, AllMaths — a maths school offering trusted, award-winning programmes for South African and African, as well as international families. 

Watch our full video interview below or read on for a clear look at how the Times Tales programme works and why it helps as well as Meagan's own homeschooling journey.

🎓 From Homeschool to Helping Homeschoolers: Times Tales, Maths Confidence & Real-Life Advice

Interview with Meagan Flanagan, from Times Tales & former homeschooler

Introduction

In this heartfelt and practical conversation, I speak with Meagan Flanagan — a homeschool graduate, tutor, and now part of the family team behind Times Tales, a creative memory-based multiplication program.

We explore:

• Why multiplication facts are a game-changer in maths learning,

• How Times Tales helps both struggling and anxious learners,

• And Meagan’s personal homeschooling journey — from CD-ROMs to community college at 16, to building confidence through flexible learning.

If you're a homeschool parent wondering if you're doing enough, struggling with maths yourself, or just looking for honest advice and encouragement — this conversation is for you.

Why Knowing Your Times Tables Matters

We began our discussion with the foundation of so many maths struggles: multiplication. As a maths educator and homeschooler myself, I’ve seen how often kids in Grades 4–7 hit a wall simply because their times tables aren't solid. They either guess, lose time, or freeze — and that undermines their confidence, even when they understand the broader maths concept.

Meagan explained how Times Tales uses mnemonics — memory aids — to build instant recall of multiplication facts. It’s visual, story-based, and fun, which is exactly what many learners need to break through the anxiety and frustration.

“With Times Tales, you're not drilling facts — you're building memory links. It’s great for kids with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or even just a dislike of traditional methods.”

The stories are silly, simple, and stick. For example: the number 9 is a treehouse, 8 is Mrs. Snowman — so the story of 9 × 9 becomes a tale of apples on two treehouses, ending in the number 81. It’s effortless recall.

What Are Mnemonics and How Do They Work?

Mnemonics are memory triggers. They’re fun, often silly associations that help information "stick." Instead of rote memorisation, Times Tales turns each number into a character and each multiplication fact into a story.

For example, in Times Tales:

• The number 9 becomes a treehouse

• The number 7 becomes Mrs. Week

• The number 3 is a butterfly

To teach 9 × 9, students hear a story about two treehouses. One grew 8 apples, and the other grew 1 apple. So, 9 × 9 = 81. The beauty is that kids remember the story, and the multiplication fact comes effortlessly.

This is especially powerful for visual learners and those who tend to confuse digits or mix up sequences. But even students without learning challenges enjoy the process — because it’s playful and doesn’t feel like traditional schooling.

Why Are Times Tables So Important?

Many parents view times tables as a box to tick — something to “get through.” But knowing multiplication facts is foundational to nearly every maths concept that follows. When students lack fluency, they:

• Take much longer to solve problems

• Lose confidence

• Start falling behind in more abstract topics like algebra

Confidence is key in maths. If your child hesitates or has to count on fingers, it eats into both time and belief in their own ability. But when they recall 8 × 4 = 32 without hesitation? That’s a confidence booster — and a time-saver!

📚 Inside the Times Tales Program

Parents who purchase Times Tales receive a full year of access to the program. Here’s what to expect:

• Video stories teaching multiplication facts 

• Digital Worksheets with reinforcement activities like crossword puzzles and story-fill exercises

• Quizzes and review tools to help transition from the story to the numbers

What’s especially helpful is how the program supports both students and parents. As a teacher or homeschool parent, you learn the stories too — so when your child hesitates, you can prompt them with the characters: “Mrs. Snowman, the chair — how many buttons, how many mittens?"

This shared language makes it easier to support your child and builds a sense of teamwork in their learning journey.

Behind the Scenes: A Family Business from a Family of Homeschoolers

What makes Times Tales even more inspiring is its origin story. Megan was not only the first student — she was homeschooled by the co-creator (her mom), and the program was born out of her aunt’s struggle to help her own kids learn their multiplication.

“They saw a need, they created a flipbook, and they started selling on eBay — with us cousins helping assemble books over pizza parties.”

This wasn’t just a product; it was a homeschool project that turned into a business. And because it was created by homeschool moms for homeschoolers, it meets a unique need: making hard things easier while giving parents practical tools.

Homeschool Real Talk: Encouragement, Trial & Error, and Flexibility

In the second half of our chat, we moved beyond maths to homeschooling itself.

Megan shared candidly about growing up homeschooled — how her mom experimented with different curriculums (from Saxon Math to Switched-On Schoolhouse), adapted when things didn’t work, and remained open to change.

“If something wasn’t working, she’d say, ‘Let’s find something that does — even if it’s more money.’ That mindset really shaped how I learned.”

Megan also emphasised how homeschooling gave her the tools to figure things out, even when gaps showed up later. For example, she hadn’t done a full year of geometry or essay writing — but when college required it, she found help, learned how, and moved forward.

Her key takeaway?

“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to care, try your best, and give your kids opportunities.”

 

From Home to College: A Unique Path with Unexpected Benefits

When high school came around, Megan’s mom was unsure how to give her the credits she needed. But they discovered a dual enrolment program in Oregon — and at 16, Megan started community college. She graduated at 19 with both her high school diploma and an associate degree.

“That freedom to do things differently — that’s what homeschooling gave me.”

This is especially encouraging for homeschool parents who worry about high school, assessments, or college readiness. It’s proof that alternative paths not only exist but often lead to even richer experiences.

Practical Encouragement for Homeschooling Families

As we wrapped up, we spoke about the pressure and comparison so many homeschoolers feel.

I shared how I often remind myself — and the families I support through Homeschooling in Rest & AllMaths — that you can only do what you can do. There’s more to homeschooling than ticking boxes. There’s life, flexibility, and deeply personal learning that no traditional school can replicate.

“Don’t stop living life because you’re homeschooling. Your children are learning just by being with you.”

We also touched on the value of involving kids in real-life work. Meagan recalled helping bind the first Times Tales books — a small act that planted early entrepreneurial thinking. Likewise, I shared how my own children have started businesses at very young ages, simply by being part of our family’s journey.

Final Thoughts: Why AllMaths & Times Tales Work Together

At AllMaths, our goal is to help parents find what works for their child. We offer a variety of maths programs — from traditional to unconventional — because no one solution fits every learner.

That’s why I’m proud to partner with Times Tales and offer 15% off for families using the code ANGELA15ANGELA.

This program is especially useful for:

• Children aged 7–12 (or older learners who’ve hit a confidence wall),

• Kids with learning differences or maths anxiety,

• Homeschoolers looking for independent, story-based learning.

Ready to try Times Tales?
Use the coupon code ANGELA15ANGELA at checkout for 15% off the digital program through AllMaths.

▶️ [Watch the full interview on YouTube here]

📚 Learn more about how AllMaths can support your homeschool journey: allmaths.co.za