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6 times table chants and rhythms

Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 6 times table without copying any existing song.

Quick answer

You can learn the 6 times table by chanting, clapping, and moving to rhythms that match the numbers. These fun ways help you remember the answers without needing to memorise them by rote.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to chant and clap the 6 times table in rhythm so you can remember the answers quickly and easily. Success signs:
  • You can say the 6 times table from 0 x 6 to 12 x 6 in a rhythm
  • You can clap or move to match the numbers in the 6 times table
  • You can use a chant or rhythm to help you remember a missing number in a multiplication

Why this matters

Learning the 6 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly. When you know your 6 times table, you can:
  • Share 6 sweets equally among friends
  • Count how many legs 5 dogs have (5 x 6 = 30)
  • Work out how many minutes 4 football halves take (4 x 60 = 240)
  • Plan how many hours 3 days are (3 x 24 = 72)
Chants and rhythms make learning feel like play. They help your brain remember the numbers better than just reading them over and over.

How it works

To learn the 6 times table with chants and rhythms:
  1. Start with small numbers like 0 x 6 and 1 x 6
  2. Clap or tap a beat for each number
  3. Repeat the chant and beat together
  4. Add one more group each time (2 x 6, 3 x 6, etc.)
  5. Try changing the rhythm or beat for fun

Examples you can see

Let's look at how to make a chant for the 6 times table. We'll use claps and a simple beat. 6 Times Table with Claps
Multiplication Answer Clap Pattern
0 x 6 0 No claps
1 x 6 6 Clap once
2 x 6 12 Clap twice
3 x 6 18 Clap three times
4 x 6 24 Clap four times
5 x 6 30 Clap five times
6 x 6 36 Clap six times
7 x 6 42 Clap seven times
8 x 6 48 Clap eight times
9 x 6 54 Clap nine times
10 x 6 60 Clap ten times
11 x 6 66 Clap eleven times
12 x 6 72 Clap twelve times

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to find the secret of the 6 times table! Your spaceship has 6 engines, and you need to count how many engines you have for each number of trips.
  • 1st trip: 1 x 6 = 6 engines
  • 2nd trip: 2 x 6 = 12 engines
  • 3rd trip: 3 x 6 = 18 engines
  • 4th trip: 4 x 6 = 24 engines
  • 5th trip: 5 x 6 = 30 engines
  • 6th trip: 6 x 6 = 36 engines
  • 7th trip: 7 x 6 = 42 engines
  • 8th trip: 8 x 6 = 48 engines
  • 9th trip: 9 x 6 = 54 engines
  • 10th trip: 10 x 6 = 60 engines
  • 11th trip: 11 x 6 = 66 engines
  • 12th trip: 12 x 6 = 72 engines
Now, as you go on each trip, clap your hands to match the number of engines. For example, when you go on the 3rd trip, clap three times. When you go on the 12th trip, clap twelve times. Keep going until you have explored all 12 trips!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to clap the right number of times for each multiplication.
    Why it happens: You might be counting the number of groups, not the number of times to clap.
    Fix: Use your fingers or a counting stick to help you match the number of claps to the answer.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 6 x 6 = 36 with 6 x 7 = 42.
    Why it happens: The numbers are close together and easy to confuse.
    Fix: Say the chant slowly and clearly. Practice each number a few times.
  • Mistake: Not keeping a steady beat.
    Why it happens: You might be clapping too fast or too slow.
    Fix: Try tapping your foot or using a metronome app to keep a steady rhythm.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn the 6 times table with chants and rhythms is fun and effective!
  • Start with 0 x 6 to 3 x 6 and gradually add more
  • Clap or tap the beat together as you chant
  • Try changing the rhythm – use a drum, clapping, or stomping feet
  • Make it a game: "Can you clap 7 times for 7 x 6?"
  • Use real-life examples: "If there are 6 apples in each bag and you have 4 bags, how many apples?"
  • Keep it short and fun – 5-10 minutes of practice is enough
Remember: Don't worry if your child gets confused at first. Chants and rhythms take time to stick, but they make learning much more enjoyable.

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 x 6?
  2. How many claps for 9 x 6?
  3. What is 11 x 6?
  4. If you clap 12 times for 12 x 6, how many groups of 6 is that?
  5. How many times do you clap for 0 x 6?

Answers:

  1. 24
  2. 9 claps
  3. 66
  4. 12 groups
  5. 0 claps

FAQ

Why should I use chants and rhythms to learn times tables?

Chants and rhythms help your brain remember numbers by connecting them to movement and sound. This makes learning more fun and helps you remember better than just reading the numbers.

Can I make up my own chant for the 6 times table?

Yes! You can make up a chant with your own words, actions, or even a silly tune. The more you enjoy it, the better you will remember it.

What if I forget the answer to 6 x 6?

Try clapping 6 times and saying the chant again. You can also think of it as 5 x 6 + 6 = 30 + 6 = 36.

How long does it take to learn the 6 times table with chants?

With regular practice, most children can learn it in a few days to a week. It helps to practice a little every day.

Can I use this method for other times tables?

Yes! You can make chants and rhythms for any times table. Try it with 2s, 5s, or 10s to see how it works.