The Story Behind FUNS
The FUNS Method introduces multiplication through a vibrant world called the TT Forest Adventure, where numbers are not just symbols—they’re living characters with stories to tell and adventures to share. It all began with a simple sketch: a cute, curious deer with six antlers and a puffed-up bird perched on one of them. The image sparked an idea—what if this deer could be the number 6? And just like that, Sixby the Deer was born. With his six proud antlers (perfect for counting in sixes) and a bright spirit, he became the first hero of the FUNS world.
But he wasn’t the only one. In the TT Forest, multiplication unfolds not through memorization but through storytelling, play, and wonder. Each animal in the forest embodies a number through their shape, behavior, and unique personality—like Eighton the Spider, who spins eight-sided webs and helps friends tangle and untangle problems using the magic of 8s.
Instead of rote repetition, children follow these characters on meaningful quests to collect Badges—each earned by mastering a multiplication challenge. Every step leads closer to the exciting TT Party, where patterns, play, and math all come together in a celebration of learning. In the world of FUNS, multiplication becomes a memory-making adventure, where every child can feel confident, curious, and completely captivated.
Our Founder’s Journey
My name is Masoumeh Mahdieh—but most people call me Masi. I’m a mother of three, a university lecturer, and someone who has always loved mathematics deeply. I hold a Ph.D. in Operations Research, along with MSc and BSc degrees in Industrial Engineering. I taught university students complex mathematical concepts, always trying to make math feel logical, engaging, and even beautiful. When my family relocated to the UK, I faced a new challenge—helping my youngest child learn times tables.
Traditional rote memorization methods felt frustrating and ineffective, and I began searching for a better way. That’s when inspiration struck:
“What if multiplication could be taught through engaging stories?”
I quickly realized that storytelling could make numbers more meaningful. By weaving multiplication into adventures, I saw how frustration turned into excitement and how a challenging subject could become a source of joy. That moment sparked the creation of TT Forest Adventure and the development of the FUNS Method—a way to transform the stress of learning times tables into a magical experience.
Today, FUNS is more than just a learning method; it’s a movement to help children everywhere fall in love with math through storytelling, creativity, and fun!
Join the Adventure!
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone passionate about making learning joyful, we’d love for you to be part of this journey. Explore our books, try the activities, and see how FUNS can turn math into a magical experience for every child.
👉 Learn more about the FUNS Method