X Tables
Maths Mindset

Maths for auditory learners

Use talk, explanation, rhythm and verbal rehearsal.

Quick answer

Maths for auditory learners means using sounds, words, rhythm, and talking through problems to help understand maths better. This includes chanting times tables, talking through how you solved a problem, or using music and songs to learn.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how talking, listening, and using rhythm can help you learn maths, and you will be able to use these skills to solve problems and remember maths facts. Success signs:
  • You can say a times table out loud with rhythm
  • You can explain how you solved a maths problem using words
  • You can use songs or rhymes to remember a maths fact
  • You can listen carefully to a maths word problem and solve it

Why this matters

Some children learn best when they hear and talk about maths. This is called being an auditory learner. When you learn through sounds, words, and rhythm, you remember things better. You might also find maths easier and more fun if you use your listening and speaking skills. This helps you do better in school and in everyday life, like when you’re shopping or cooking.

How it works

Learning maths as an auditory learner means:
  1. Listening carefully to numbers and how they sound
  2. Speaking out loud to help you think through a problem
  3. Using rhymes, songs, and rhythm to remember facts
  4. Thinking about what you’re saying to make it clearer

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are learning the 3 times table. Instead of just seeing the numbers, you say them out loud with a rhythm:
  • Three times one is three
  • Three times two is six
  • Three times three is nine
  • Three times four is twelve
You can also try clapping or tapping to the rhythm:
  • Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap
  • One – Two – Three – Four
Here’s a real example from a classroom:
  • Teacher says: “If we have 3 groups of 4 apples, how many apples do we have?”
  • Student says: “Three groups of four is twelve apples.”
You can also use music to learn:
  • Play a song about the 5 times table
  • Clap or tap along
  • Repeat the numbers out loud

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Sound of Numbers You are a young explorer who needs to find the treasure of the “Sound of Numbers” island. On the island, you must:
  1. Listen to the numbers in the 4 times table and repeat them out loud
  2. Clap the rhythm of each number
  3. Make up a simple song using the numbers
  4. Share your song with a friend or parent
Here’s how to start:
  1. 4 times 1 is 4
  2. 4 times 2 is 8
  3. 4 times 3 is 12
  4. 4 times 4 is 16
  5. 4 times 5 is 20
Now, say each one out loud and clap the rhythm:
  • Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap
  • One – Two – Three – Four
Can you make a simple song using these numbers? Try singing them to a tune you know.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that only visual learners can learn maths.
    Why it happens: Some people think maths is only about writing or drawing.
    Fix: Remember that everyone can learn maths using different ways, including talking and listening.
  • Mistake: Not using your voice to explain a problem.
    Why it happens: Some kids think they have to solve everything in their head.
    Fix: Try saying your thoughts out loud to help you think better.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to listen carefully to a word problem.
    Why it happens: You might be thinking about the answer before the question is finished.
    Fix: Listen to the whole problem, then think about what you need to do.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Encouraging your child to say numbers out loud when they are learning
  • Playing simple maths songs or rhymes together
  • Letting your child explain how they solved a problem
  • Using rhythm or clapping to help with multiplication facts
  • Reading word problems aloud and asking questions
Try this 5-minute activity:
  1. Choose a times table (like 6)
  2. Count out loud together, clapping each number
  3. Try singing it to a tune
  4. Ask your child to explain one problem they solved today
This helps your child feel confident and enjoy maths more.

Practice questions

  1. What is 7 times 3? Say it out loud and clap the rhythm.
  2. How many groups of 5 make 20? Explain it with words.
  3. Can you sing the 9 times table from 1 to 5?
  4. What is 8 times 4? Say it out loud and tell a story about it.
  5. How can you use clapping to remember 3 times 6?
Answers:
  1. 7 times 3 is 21. Clap: One – Two – Three – Four – Five – Six – Seven
  2. 4 groups of 5 make 20. (5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20)
  3. One times 9 is 9, two times 9 is 18, three times 9 is 27, four times 9 is 36, five times 9 is 45
  4. 8 times 4 is 32. Story: I have 8 boxes, and each box has 4 toys. That’s 32 toys in total.
  5. Clap 3 times, then 6 times. 3 claps, 6 claps. That’s 3 times 6 = 18

FAQ

What is an auditory learner?

An auditory learner learns best by hearing and listening. They remember things better when they hear them or talk about them.

Can I learn maths using music?

Yes! Music helps you remember numbers and facts. Try singing times tables or making up rhythms to help you learn.

Do I have to be good at singing to be good at auditory maths?

No! You don’t need to be a singer. Just use your voice to say numbers and explain your thinking.

How can I practice auditory maths at home?

You can say numbers out loud, listen to songs, explain problems to a parent, or clap rhythms while learning times tables.

Is auditory learning the same as visual learning?

No. Visual learners like to see things, like pictures or drawings. Auditory learners like to hear things, like sounds, words, and music.