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7 times table chants and rhythms
Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 7 times table without copying any existing song.
Quick answer
You can learn the 7 times table by chanting, clapping, and using rhythms to help your brain remember the numbers. These fun ways make multiplication easier and more enjoyable.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to chant and clap the 7 times table from 0 to 12, and use rhythms to help you remember the answers. Success signs:- You can say the 7 times table from 0 × 7 to 12 × 7 in order
- You can clap or tap a rhythm to match each multiplication fact
- You can use a chant to help you remember one or more 7 times table facts
- You can make your own 7 times table rhythm or chant
Why this matters
Learning the 7 times table helps you solve maths problems faster and easier. When you know your times tables well, you can:- Share snacks equally among friends
- Count how many legs 6 cats have (6 × 7 = 42)
- Work out how many days are in 5 weeks (5 × 7 = 35)
- Plan how many pieces of cake you need for a party
- Play games that use numbers
How it works
To learn the 7 times table using chants and rhythms:- Start by saying the numbers from 0 to 12
- Count by 7s: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91
- Make a rhythm or beat with your hands, feet, or claps
- Repeat the chant many times until you know it by heart
- Try changing the rhythm or speed to make it more fun
Examples you can see
Here are some ways to chant and clap the 7 times table:| Multiplication | Answer | Clap or Beat Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 0 × 7 | 0 | Clap once, then hold |
| 1 × 7 | 7 | Clap once, then tap 6 times |
| 2 × 7 | 14 | Clap twice, then tap 12 times |
| 3 × 7 | 21 | Clap three times, then tap 18 times |
| 4 × 7 | 28 | Clap four times, then tap 24 times |
| 5 × 7 | 35 | Clap five times, then tap 30 times |
| 6 × 7 | 42 | Clap six times, then tap 36 times |
| 7 × 7 | 49 | Clap seven times, then tap 42 times |
| 8 × 7 | 56 | Clap eight times, then tap 48 times |
| 9 × 7 | 63 | Clap nine times, then tap 54 times |
| 10 × 7 | 70 | Clap ten times, then tap 60 times |
| 11 × 7 | 77 | Clap eleven times, then tap 66 times |
| 12 × 7 | 84 | Clap twelve times, then tap 72 times |
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Seven-Step Challenge You are on a treasure hunt and need to find a secret message. The message is hidden in a chest that opens only when you solve the 7 times table in rhythm. Here's how to open the chest:- Start by counting from 0 to 12
- For each number, say the 7 times table fact and clap that many times
- Then tap the remaining number of times (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84)
- Do this for all 12 facts
- When you finish, the chest will open!
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Counting 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 but forgetting to count by 7s correctly.
Why: It's easy to skip numbers or make a mistake when counting by 7s.
Fix: Practice counting by 7s with your fingers or use a number line to help you see the pattern. - Mistake: Clapping the wrong number of times for each multiplication fact.
Why: When you're trying to keep track of the numbers, you might get confused.
Fix: Count the claps and taps out loud as you go, so you know how many you're doing. - Mistake: Not keeping the rhythm steady.
Why: Rhythm helps you remember, but if you change the beat too much, it gets confusing.
Fix: Use a consistent beat like a drum or your heartbeat to keep the rhythm going.
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help children learn the 7 times table chants and rhythms by:- Starting with simple clapping and counting
- Letting the child lead the chant and beat
- Using your own body to make sounds (clap, tap, stomp)
- Practicing together for 5-10 minutes each day
- Encouraging the child to make up their own rhythm or chant
- Not worrying if they make a mistake – it's part of learning!
- "Let's try clapping the 7 times table together"
- "Can you count by 7s while I tap?"
- "You're doing great! Let's try that again"
- "How can we make this chant more fun?"
- Don't rush or pressure the child
- Don't compare with other children
- Don't give up if they make a mistake
Practice questions
- What is 3 × 7?
- Clap 5 times, then tap 30 times. What multiplication fact is this?
- What is 11 × 7?
- How many times do you clap for 8 × 7?
- What is 12 × 7?
- 21
- 5 × 7 = 35
- 77
- 8 times
- 84
FAQ
Why are chants and rhythms helpful for learning times tables?
Chants and rhythms help your brain remember things better. When you move your body and say the numbers out loud, it makes the facts stick in your memory more easily.
Can I make up my own 7 times table chant?
Yes! You can make up your own rhythm or chant. For example, you could say "Seven, fourteen, twenty-one" while tapping on your knees or clapping on your hands.
How long does it take to learn the 7 times table?
It takes practice. Most children learn it in a few weeks if they practice a little bit every day. It's okay if it takes longer!
What if I forget the 7 times table?
That's okay! You can count by 7s or use your fingers to help you. You can also try clapping or chanting again to help you remember.
Can I use this method for other times tables?
Yes! You can use the same idea for any times table. Just count by that number and make a rhythm or beat with your hands or feet.