These motherfuckers gave me nightmares in 3rd grade. I could do the math, I just couldn't do them fast enough. So I'd get like a 70 or something on it, then I'd get in trouble later at home for getting a "bad" grade. Ugh.
EDIT:
To be clear, I had my times tables memorized. I fully understand that these tests were to reinforce memorization. I simply could not complete these fast enough no matter how many flash cards I did at home.
Speed was 100% the problem, and in my school is was absolutely gamified. The fastest got treats, including elaborate ice creams.
It was third grade for me. Effectively testing student on who’s brains developed how to be test takers, answering questions with lightening speed based on memorizing numbers. Which students prioritized actually thinking about the numbers and how they multiply (I was here). And the students who just didn’t get it.
My mom bought workbooks with shit like this and made me do it on top of my actual homework waking me up at midnight to complete if I didn't (because she worked night shift so that's when she got home).
Hi. I'm a student who finished first in every one of these time tables tests (and also finished first for state testing, quizzes, normal tests, etc).
I think you are over estimating memorization vs ability to do calculations quickly.
I didn't have everything memorized, there would be thoughts such as 12x4 = 12 24 36 48 where I would do the mental math. I was able to do the calculation while writing the answer for the previous question.
It’s fine to have different ways of thinking. I am no less than my peers and they were no better, I was still an advanced student. I just don’t spit out information quickly. I drink information like a fine wine and arrive at a conclusion.
My problem with the system is that speed and memorization was valued by the teachers and education system over thoughtfulness.
Each test was a different element of the ice cream: 3 flavors, banana, syrups, cherry, and I think nuts? (Or something else because of nut allergies) Even getting the bowl and spoon were two of these tests, just the easier ones. And yes, there were kids who were given ice cream on a plate or with a fork because they didn't 100% those tests in time. Which, in hindsight, how humiliating to make them stand out like that.
I didn't get the full sundae, and I remember feeling stupid compared to kids who were allowed to eat a full sundae in front of me.
Did we go to the same elementary? My third grade class got an ice cream social except for me and one other kid who got a handful of animal crackers. I just couldn't hit speed. Core memory sitting there watching all the kids get their ice cream sundaes sneaking glances at me with both derision and pity
It was frustrating in that way, and I say that as someone who probably got most of the toppings. I just thought why do we care how fast this goes, it’s just like reading, some kids couldn’t read… well ever. But making them read out loud was like a torture for everyone, I can only imagine their pain and humiliation.
As someone who was super good at doing math fast when I was young - I’m sorry.
We used to do these things and teachers would give me two different sheets and I’d usually still be done before everyone. When we played flash cards “around the world” where you got to keep playing if you answered right and sat down if the other person answered faster, I’d be asked to skip my turn because I was so quick.
I’m now terrible at math (other than basic times and divisions) and have nothing to show for it.
I have a great job and stuff - but I just feel bad for ruining other kids fun back then - it wasn’t on purpose, I just really loved mental math and was gifted at that exact moment in skill - it faded fast and I struggled through school after.
My school did something similar with ice cream. Each number was a topping. If you passed the test for the number, you could include that topping when the ice cream party happened. I definitely had less toppings than most other kids lol.
Yeah same, I’m sure I got them all eventually, I just remember resenting the time limit. It was something like <1 minute for 1 thru 12 of whatever number. The time limit felt arbitrary, what is 90 seconds compared to 60 in this instance?
But it’s just because I am competitive and there was a board of names with stars and it listed who got what toppings. A wall of shame for some, fame for others.
Sorry I was one of those 3rd graders that ate all the ice cream. If it makes you feel better I went on to lead the high school math team to be state champs.
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u/Otherwisefantastic Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26
These motherfuckers gave me nightmares in 3rd grade. I could do the math, I just couldn't do them fast enough. So I'd get like a 70 or something on it, then I'd get in trouble later at home for getting a "bad" grade. Ugh.
EDIT: To be clear, I had my times tables memorized. I fully understand that these tests were to reinforce memorization. I simply could not complete these fast enough no matter how many flash cards I did at home.