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How to write a maths chant

Create original chants with rhythm, repetition and clear mathematical meaning.

Quick answer

You can write a maths chant by choosing a maths idea, adding a catchy rhythm, using repetition, and making sure the words match the maths clearly.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create your own maths chant that helps you remember a times table or a maths idea using rhythm and repetition. Success signs:
  • You can pick a maths idea to make a chant about
  • You can add a simple beat or rhythm to your chant
  • You can repeat key maths facts in your chant
  • You can sing or say your chant clearly and confidently

Why this matters

Chants help your brain remember maths facts quickly and easily. When you sing or say a chant, it's like giving your brain a special shortcut. This makes it easier to remember multiplication tables, number patterns, or even shapes and measurements. Chants are used in schools, at home, and even in games to help with learning. When you make your own chant, you understand the maths better and have more fun doing it.

How it works

Writing a maths chant is like making a song that helps you learn. Here are the simple steps:
  1. Choose your maths idea – This could be a times table, a number pattern, or a shape fact
  2. Think of a beat or rhythm – You can tap, clap, or hum a beat
  3. Repeat key words or numbers – This helps you remember
  4. Make it fun and catchy – Use silly words or phrases that make you smile
  5. Practice your chant – Sing it out loud a few times

Examples you can see

Let's look at how to make a chant for the 5 times table. Step 1: Choose your maths idea We are going to make a chant for 5 x 1 = 5, 5 x 2 = 10, 5 x 3 = 15, and so on. Step 2: Think of a beat Let's use a simple clap beat: Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap. Step 3: Repeat key facts We repeat the multiplication facts so they stick in our heads. Step 4: Make it catchy We can make up silly words or phrases to go with the numbers. Step 5: Practice your chant We say it out loud, maybe with our hands or feet to keep the beat. Here is one example chant for 5 times table:
  • Five times one is five, clap clap clap clap
  • Five times two is ten, clap clap clap clap
  • Five times three is fifteen, clap clap clap clap
  • Five times four is twenty, clap clap clap clap
  • Five times five is twenty-five, clap clap clap clap

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a maths chant adventure! Adventure: Make a 3 Times Table Chant You are a maths explorer and you need to find the secret to the 3 times table. Your mission is to make a chant that helps you remember 3 x 1 through 3 x 12. Step 1: Choose your beat Think of a beat you like – tap your hand, clap your feet, or hum a tune. Step 2: Write down the facts Write out 3 x 1 = 3, 3 x 2 = 6, 3 x 3 = 9, and so on up to 3 x 12 = 36. Step 3: Add your chant words For each fact, make up a short phrase that goes with the numbers. Step 4: Practice your chant Say your chant out loud and move your body to the beat. Step 5: Show your chant to a friend Share your chant and see if they can remember the facts too. Example chant for 3 times table:
  • Three times one is three, jump jump jump jump
  • Three times two is six, clap clap clap clap
  • Three times three is nine, hop hop hop hop
  • Three times four is twelve, clap clap clap clap
  • Three times five is fifteen, jump jump jump jump
  • Three times six is eighteen, tap tap tap tap
  • Three times seven is twenty-one, clap clap clap clap
  • Three times eight is twenty-four, hop hop hop hop
  • Three times nine is twenty-seven, clap clap clap clap
  • Three times ten is thirty, jump jump jump jump
  • Three times eleven is thirty-three, tap tap tap tap
  • Three times twelve is thirty-six, clap clap clap clap

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the wrong times table facts in the chant
    Why it happens: When you're making a chant, it's easy to get confused and mix up numbers.
    Fix: Double-check your facts before writing them in your chant. Use a times table chart or count out loud to make sure.
  • Mistake: Not using a rhythm or beat
    Why it happens: Chants are meant to be musical, so it's important to have a beat or rhythm to help you remember.
    Fix: Try clapping, tapping, or humming a beat. This helps your brain remember better.
  • Mistake: Making the chant too long or hard to remember
    Why it happens: It's easy to get excited and add too many words or facts.
    Fix: Keep your chant short and simple. Focus on 3 or 4 facts at a time.
  • Mistake: Not practicing your chant
    Why it happens: If you don't practice, it's hard to remember the chant.
    Fix: Practice your chant several times. Sing it out loud, and try moving your body to the beat.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children make maths chants by:
  • Choosing a simple maths idea to chant about – like a times table or a shape
  • Helping the child pick a rhythm or beat they enjoy
  • Encouraging the child to repeat the facts out loud while clapping or moving
  • Letting the child make up silly or funny words to go with the numbers
  • Practicing the chant together – this makes it more fun and helps with memory
  • Not worrying if the chant isn't perfect – the most important thing is that it helps the child remember
Here are some tips for making chants fun:
  • Let your child choose their own beat – maybe they want to hum, tap, or stomp
  • Use silly actions or dance moves to match the numbers
  • Try singing the chant in a funny voice or with a silly accent
  • Write the chant on a poster or sticky note so the child can see it
  • Make a game out of it – race to see who can remember the chant first

Practice questions

  1. What is the first step in writing a maths chant?
  2. Why is it helpful to use a rhythm or beat in a chant?
  3. Which times table fact is 3 x 7?
  4. What should you do if you forget a fact in your chant?
  5. How many times should you practice your chant?
Answers:
  1. Choose your maths idea
  2. It helps your brain remember the facts better
  3. 21
  4. Go back and check your facts, or practice again
  5. At least 3 times

FAQ

What is a maths chant?

A maths chant is a song or rhyme that helps you remember maths facts, like times tables or number patterns. It uses rhythm and repetition to make learning fun and easy.

Can I make a chant for any maths idea?

Yes! You can make a chant for times tables, number patterns, shapes, measurements, or even fractions and decimals.

Do I have to sing my chant?

No, you can say your chant out loud or even move your body to the beat. The important part is that it helps you remember the maths.

How long should a chant be?

A chant should be short and simple – usually 3 to 5 facts at a time. This makes it easier to remember.

Can I use my chant in class?

Yes! Teachers often use chants to help students learn maths facts. You can share your chant with your teacher or classmates.