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12 times table chants and rhythms
Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 12 times table without copying any existing song.
Quick answer
You can learn the 12 times table by creating your own chants, claps, and rhythms that help you remember the numbers in a fun and active way.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use claps, rhythms, and songs to help you remember the 12 times table from 0 to 12. Success signs:- You can clap or tap out the 12 times table in order
- You can make up your own rhythm for a number in the 12 times table
- You can sing or chant a 12 times table fact with a beat
- You can use your rhythm or chant to help you remember a fact when you forget it
Why this matters
Learning your 12 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. It’s useful for things like:- Sharing 12 sweets equally among friends
- Counting 12 eggs in a carton
- Calculating how many hours are in 12 days
- Buying 12 items that cost £2 each
How it works
To make your own 12 times table chant or rhythm, follow these simple steps:- Start with a simple beat: Clap or tap a steady rhythm. You can use your hands, a drum, or even a pencil tapping on a table.
- Count in twelves: Say the 12 times table numbers out loud as you clap. Start with 12, then 24, then 36, and so on.
- Make a pattern: Try clapping different patterns for each number. For example, you can clap 12 times slowly, then 24 times faster, then 36 times with a strong beat.
- Add a rhyme: Make up a short rhyme for each number. For example, "Twelve times one is twelve, that's the number that I love!"
- Use your body: Try jumping or stomping for each number to make it more fun and memorable.
Examples you can see
Here are some examples of how to make 12 times table rhythms and chants: Example 1: Clap and Count- Clap once for 12 (slow clap)
- Clap twice for 24 (faster clap)
- Clap three times for 36 (strong clap)
- Clap four times for 48 (fast clap)
- 12 x 1 = 12 (clap, clap, clap, clap)
- 12 x 2 = 24 (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
- 12 x 3 = 36 (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
- 12 x 1 = 12 (jump once)
- 12 x 2 = 24 (jump twice)
- 12 x 3 = 36 (jump three times)
- 12 x 4 = 48 (jump four times)
- 12 x 1 = 12 (clap, say "twelve")
- 12 x 2 = 24 (clap, clap, say "twenty-four")
- 12 x 3 = 36 (clap, clap, clap, say "thirty-six")
Try it as a mini adventure
Let’s go on a maths rhythm quest to learn the 12 times table! Quest 1: Clap the 12 times table out loud. Start with 12 and count up to 144. Quest 2: Make up a beat for 12 x 5 = 60. Try clapping or stomping the rhythm. Quest 3: Create a rhyme for 12 x 7 = 84. Use your words and your beat. Quest 4: Try jumping or dancing for 12 x 9 = 108. Quest 5: Share your rhythm with a friend or family member. Quest 6: Draw a picture of your rhythm or chant and explain it. Quest 7: Try to remember 12 x 11 = 132 using your rhythm. Quest 8: Make a rhythm for 12 x 12 = 144. Quest 9: Use your rhythm to help you count backwards from 144 to 0 in 12s. Quest 10: Sing your chant out loud to a friend or family member.Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting that 12 x 0 = 0 Why it happens: Children often think that multiplying by zero makes the number bigger. Fix: Remember that zero groups of anything is nothing. If you have 0 plates and each plate has 12 cookies, you have 0 cookies.
- Mistake: Mixing up 12 x 8 and 12 x 9 Why it happens: These numbers look similar and are close together. Fix: Make a special rhythm or chant just for 8 and 9 times 12. For example, 12 x 8 = 96, and 12 x 9 = 108. Clap or stomp 8 times for 96, and 9 times for 108.
- Mistake: Not using a beat or rhythm at all Why it happens: Some children think they can just memorise the numbers without moving or singing. Fix: Try clapping or singing your table. It helps your brain remember better.
- Mistake: Thinking 12 x 10 = 120, but forgetting 12 x 11 = 132 Why it happens: It’s easy to skip 12 x 11. Fix: Make a special rhythm for 11 times 12. Try counting 11 claps and then add one more.
Parent and carer guide
Here’s how you can help your child learn the 12 times table using rhythms and chants:- Join in: Ask your child to teach you their rhythm or chant. You can clap along or dance with them.
- Make it fun: Try different ways to make a beat. Use your hands, a drum, or even a pot and spoon.
- Practice together: Spend 5-10 minutes each day practicing the rhythm. It’s better to do a little bit often than a lot once.
- Encourage creativity: Let your child make up their own rhyme or beat. It helps them own the learning.
- Use it in daily life: When you’re shopping, count 12 items or calculate how much 12 apples cost. Use the rhythm to help them remember.
- Be patient: Some children need more time to learn rhythms. That’s okay. Keep practicing and keep it fun.
- Remember: It’s not about speed. It’s about understanding and remembering the numbers in a way that makes sense to your child.
Practice questions
- What is 12 x 4?
- How many claps do you need for 12 x 6?
- What is 12 x 10?
- How many jumps do you need for 12 x 3?
- What is 12 x 12?
- 48
- 6 claps
- 120
- 3 jumps
- 144
FAQ
What is the best way to learn the 12 times table?
The best way is to use your body, your voice, and your hands. Try clapping, jumping, or singing the numbers to make them stick in your head.
Can I use music to learn the 12 times table?
Yes! You can make up a song or use a beat from your favourite tune. Just make sure the numbers match the beat.
How can I remember 12 x 7?
Try making a rhythm or a rhyme for 12 x 7 = 84. You can clap 84 times or jump 84 times to help you remember.
Is it okay to use my fingers to count?
Yes, it’s okay to use your fingers to help you count. But try to move to a rhythm or chant so that you don’t always need to count.
What if I forget a number in the 12 times table?
If you forget, try your rhythm or chant. You can also count backwards or forwards from a number you know to help you find the answer.