Maths History
Old-school times table chanting
Look at traditional reciting methods and adapt them into kind, funny, modern practice.
Quick answer
Old-school times table chanting was a traditional way of learning multiplication facts by repeating them out loud in rhythm. You can still use this fun, active method today to help children remember multiplication tables in a playful, memorable way.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how old-school times table chanting works and how to use it to help a child learn multiplication facts in a fun, active way. Success signs:- You can chant a times table from 0 to 12 with a rhythm
- You can use clapping or movement to help remember multiplication facts
- You can adapt chanting to make it fun for your child
- You can explain how chanting helps with learning multiplication
Why this matters
Times tables are the building blocks of more advanced maths. They help children solve bigger problems quickly and easily. Chanting times tables is a fun, active way to learn them that works for many children. It helps them remember multiplication facts by using rhythm, repetition, and movement – all of which are powerful tools for learning. Even in today’s digital world, chanting times tables can be a great way to keep children engaged, active, and confident in maths.How it works
Chanting times tables is a simple method where you say the multiplication facts out loud, usually in a group or with a rhythm. It works best when:- You use a steady beat or clapping
- You repeat the facts many times
- You include movement or gestures
- You keep it fun and playful
- Start with the number you are learning (for example, 3)
- Chant the multiplication facts in order (3 x 0, 3 x 1, 3 x 2, etc.)
- Use a beat or clapping to keep the rhythm
- Repeat the chant several times
- Add gestures or movements to make it more fun
Examples you can see
Let’s look at how to chant the 5 times table:| 5 x 0 | 5 x 1 | 5 x 2 | 5 x 3 | 5 x 4 | 5 x 5 | 5 x 6 | 5 x 7 | 5 x 8 | 5 x 9 | 5 x 10 | 5 x 11 | 5 x 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five times zero is zero | Five times one is five | Five times two is ten | Five times three is fifteen | Five times four is twenty | Five times five is twenty-five | Five times six is thirty | Five times seven is thirty-five | Five times eight is forty | Five times nine is forty-five | Five times ten is fifty | Five times eleven is fifty-five | Five times twelve is sixty |
- 5 x 0 = zero – clap once
- 5 x 1 = five – clap twice
- 5 x 2 = ten – clap three times
- 5 x 3 = fifteen – clap four times
- 5 x 4 = twenty – clap five times
- 5 x 5 = twenty-five – clap six times
- 5 x 6 = thirty – clap seven times
- 5 x 7 = thirty-five – clap eight times
- 5 x 8 = forty – clap nine times
- 5 x 9 = forty-five – clap ten times
- 5 x 10 = fifty – clap eleven times
- 5 x 11 = fifty-five – clap twelve times
- 5 x 12 = sixty – clap thirteen times
Try it as a mini adventure
Let’s go on a Chanting Challenge to learn the 7 times table together! Step 1: Stand in a circle with your child. Everyone says the 7 times table out loud. Step 2: Use claps to match the numbers. For example:- 7 x 0 = zero – clap once
- 7 x 1 = seven – clap twice
- 7 x 2 = fourteen – clap three times
- 7 x 3 = twenty-one – clap four times
- 7 x 4 = twenty-eight – clap five times
- 7 x 5 = thirty-five – clap six times
- 7 x 6 = forty-two – clap seven times
- 7 x 7 = forty-nine – clap eight times
- 7 x 8 = fifty-six – clap nine times
- 7 x 9 = sixty-three – clap ten times
- 7 x 10 = seventy – clap eleven times
- 7 x 11 = seventy-seven – clap twelve times
- 7 x 12 = eighty-four – clap thirteen times
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Chanting too quickly and not allowing time for repetition.
Why it happens: Adults may want to move quickly to finish the task.
Fix: Slow down and repeat each chant a few times before moving on. - Mistake: Forgetting to use clapping or movement.
Why it happens: The child might find it boring or not understand the benefit.
Fix: Add simple gestures or movements to make it more fun and active. - Mistake: Not practicing enough.
Why it happens: Children need repetition to learn.
Fix: Practice the chant a few times each day, even for just a few minutes. - Mistake: Chanting in a boring voice.
Why it happens: The adult may not be enthusiastic.
Fix: Make the chant fun and playful – use a silly voice or rhythm to keep it interesting.
Parent and carer guide
Learning times tables with chanting is a great way to help your child stay engaged and confident in maths. Here’s how to do it in 5–10 minutes:- Start small: Pick one table to focus on, like 3s or 5s.
- Use rhythm: Clap, stomp, or tap along to the chant.
- Be playful: Use silly voices or gestures to keep it fun.
- Repeat often: Practice the chant a few times a day for a few minutes.
- Check for understanding: Ask your child to chant it back to you.
Practice questions
- What is 6 x 4?
- How many claps would you make for 8 x 3?
- What is 9 x 0?
- What is 12 x 5?
- How many times would you clap for 7 x 7?
- 24
- Five claps
- 0
- 60
- Eight claps
FAQ
What is old-school times table chanting?
Old-school times table chanting is a traditional way of learning multiplication facts by repeating them out loud in rhythm. It uses clapping, movement, and repetition to help children remember.
Why is chanting helpful for learning times tables?
Chanting uses rhythm, repetition, and movement, which are all powerful ways to help children remember facts. It also makes learning more fun and active.
Can I use chanting for any times table?
Yes! You can chant any times table from 0 to 12. It works best when you repeat the chant several times and use clapping or movement.
How long should I chant for?
Even just 5–10 minutes of chanting each day can help. It’s better to practice a little every day than to do a long session once a week.
What if my child doesn’t like chanting?
Try mixing in movement, silly voices, or songs. You can also let them take turns leading the chant or come up with their own gestures.