1 times table song ideas

Quick answer

Creating a 1 times table song is a fun and effective way to help children learn multiplication facts. You can make a simple tune using the numbers 1 to 12, repeating each number once, or use a catchy rhythm with the same number over and over again.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to create your own 1 times table song that helps you remember the multiplication facts from 0 × 1 to 12 × 1.

Success signs:

• You can sing or say the 1 times table facts from 0 × 1 to 12 × 1
• You can make up a simple tune or rhythm for the facts
• You can share your song with a friend or family member
• You understand that multiplying by 1 always gives the same number

Why this matters

Learning your times tables is important because it helps you solve maths problems faster. When you know your 1 times table by heart, you can quickly work out problems like 5 × 1 or 12 × 1 without having to count or use a calculator. This makes it easier to do bigger maths problems later on.

Using songs and rhymes is a great way to learn times tables because your brain remembers music and rhythm better than just numbers. When you sing the 1 times table, it helps you remember that multiplying by 1 always gives the same number. This is a key idea in maths that you'll use for many other problems.

Whether you're in school or at home, making your own songs helps you feel proud and confident. It also makes learning fun and helps you remember your facts for longer.

How it works

Creating a 1 times table song is easy. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose a tune: Pick a simple song you already know, like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "Happy Birthday".
2. Write the facts: Write the numbers 0 to 12, each multiplied by 1.
3. Set the words to music: Sing each fact to the rhythm of your chosen tune.
4. Practice singing: Sing it a few times until it feels easy.
5. Add actions or movements: You can clap, stomp, or dance to help remember.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of 1 times table songs you can try:

Example 1: Simple tune with numbers

Choose a simple tune like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Then sing:

• 0 × 1 = 0
• 1 × 1 = 1
• 2 × 1 = 2
• 3 × 1 = 3
• 4 × 1 = 4
• 5 × 1 = 5
• 6 × 1 = 6
• 7 × 1 = 7
• 8 × 1 = 8
• 9 × 1 = 9
• 10 × 1 = 10
• 11 × 1 = 11
• 12 × 1 = 12

Example 2: Repeating the same number

Try a chant or rap where you repeat the same number:

• 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Or sing:

• One times one is one, one times one is one
• Two times one is two, two times one is two
• Three times one is three, three times one is three

Example 3: Real-life example with a story

Imagine you have a garden and you want to plant flowers. You plant 1 flower in each of 5 pots. How many flowers do you have? That's 5 × 1 = 5 flowers. You can make a song about planting flowers:

• One pot, one flower
• Two pots, two flowers
• Three pots, three flowers
• Four pots, four flowers
• Five pots, five flowers

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magical Multiplication Forest

You are on a journey through a magical forest where you meet different animals. Each animal gives you a number, and you must multiply it by 1 to find out how many treats they want. Here's your quest:

1. First stop: You meet a rabbit. The rabbit says, "I want 1 × 1 treats." How many treats does the rabbit want?
2. Second stop: You meet a bird. The bird says, "I want 2 × 1 treats." How many treats does the bird want?
3. Third stop: You meet a squirrel. The squirrel says, "I want 3 × 1 treats." How many treats does the squirrel want?
4. Fourth stop: You meet a hedgehog. The hedgehog says, "I want 4 × 1 treats." How many treats does the hedgehog want?
5. Fifth stop: You meet a fox. The fox says, "I want 5 × 1 treats." How many treats does the fox want?

Now make up your own song using these numbers! You can sing it to the tune of your favourite song or make up your own rhythm.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 1 × 1 = 2 or 1 × 1 = 0
• Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition or thinking that multiplying by 1 changes the number
• Fix: Remember that multiplying by 1 means you have one group of that number, so 1 × 1 = 1

• Mistake: Not understanding that 1 × any number = that number
• Why it happens: Not seeing the pattern or thinking multiplication always makes numbers bigger
• Fix: Practice with examples like 1 × 5 = 5 or 1 × 12 = 12 to see the pattern

• Mistake: Forgetting to practice singing the song
• Why it happens: Thinking that just knowing the facts is enough
• Fix: Sing the song several times to help your memory

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn the 1 times table can be fun and easy:

• Start with simple facts: Begin by saying the facts together, like "1 × 1 = 1" and "2 × 1 = 2"
• Use music: Sing simple songs or use a tune your child knows
• Practice regularly: Even 5 minutes a day helps
• Make it playful: Use clapping, dancing, or drawing to make it fun
• Encourage creativity: Let your child make up their own tune or song

What to say:

• "Let's sing the 1 times table together!"
• "Can you count how many flowers you have if you plant 1 in each of 5 pots?"
• "You're doing great! Keep singing the song!"

What not to worry about:

• Not remembering all the facts at once
• Not singing perfectly at first
• Not knowing the exact tune

Practice questions

Test your 1 times table song knowledge:

1. What is 1 × 1?
2. What is 2 × 1?
3. What is 3 × 1?
4. What is 4 × 1?
5. What is 5 × 1?
6. What is 6 × 1?
7. What is 7 × 1?
8. What is 8 × 1?
9. What is 9 × 1?
10. What is 10 × 1?
11. What is 11 × 1?
12. What is 12 × 1?

Answers:

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
8. 8
9. 9
10. 10
11. 11
12. 12

FAQ

Why is it important to learn the 1 times table?

Learning the 1 times table helps you understand that multiplying by 1 doesn't change the number. This is a key idea that will help with more difficult maths later.

Can I make a song with my own words?

Yes! Making up your own song is a great way to learn. You can use your own words or make up a story to go with each number.

What if I forget the song?

That's okay! Just practice a little bit every day. You can also write the facts down or use a chart to help you remember.

How can I make my song more fun?

You can add clapping, dancing, or drawing pictures to go with each number. You can also use silly voices or make up funny actions to help you remember.

Is there a pattern in the 1 times table?

Yes! The pattern is simple: 1 × 1 = 1, 2 × 1 = 2, 3 × 1 = 3, and so on. Each number stays the same when multiplied by 1.

1 Times Table Facts