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How to write a times table song

Songs Rhymes

How to write a times table song

Build a simple melody or rap around skip-counting and key facts.

Quick answer

You can write a times table song by choosing a simple melody, using skip-counting words, and repeating key facts in a fun, rhythmic way.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create your own times table song that helps you remember multiplication facts. Success signs:

You can sing or rap a times table from 0 to 12
You know how to use skip-counting to make a song
You can write a simple melody or beat to match your facts
You can share your song with a friend or family member

Why this matters

Learning times tables is important because it helps you solve maths problems quickly and easily. When you know your multiplication facts by heart, you can do harder maths like fractions, division, and money problems more easily. Writing a song helps you remember facts in a fun way, and it's a great way to learn with friends or family. Whether you're counting football goals, sharing cookies, or planning a birthday party, multiplication is all around you.

How it works

Writing a times table song is like building a fun puzzle. You start with the numbers you want to learn, then choose a simple beat or tune, and finally add words that help you remember. Here are the steps:

Choose your table – Decide which times table you want to sing about (like 2s, 5s, or 10s)
Write the facts – Write out the multiplication facts for that table
Find a beat – Pick a simple rhythm or tune you like
Make up words – Use the numbers to make fun words or phrases
Sing it out – Practice singing it with your beat

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to make a song for the 5 times table.

5 x 1	5 x 2	5 x 3	5 x 4	5 x 5	5 x 6	5 x 7	5 x 8	5 x 9	5 x 10	5 x 11	5 x 12
5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40	45	50	55	60

Now let’s make a song. We can use the beat of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and say:

Five, ten, fifteen, twenty
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty

Or we can make it a bit more fun:

Five little ducks, five little ducks, five little ducks go swimming
Five little ducks, five little ducks, five little ducks go swimming

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a Times Table Song Adventure!

Step 1: Choose a table to sing about (try 3s or 4s)
Step 2: Write out your facts from 0 to 12
Step 3: Pick a beat or song you know (like “Happy Birthday” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”)
Step 4: Make up words that match your numbers
Step 5: Sing your song out loud and try to get your family to join in

Here’s a challenge: if you pick the 4 times table, your facts are:

0 x 4 = 0
1 x 4 = 4
2 x 4 = 8
3 x 4 = 12
4 x 4 = 16
5 x 4 = 20
6 x 4 = 24
7 x 4 = 28
8 x 4 = 32
9 x 4 = 36
10 x 4 = 40
11 x 4 = 44
12 x 4 = 48

Now, try this: can you make a fun line for each fact? For example:

Zero groups of four is zero
One group of four is four
Two groups of four are eight
Three groups of four are twelve

Can you keep going and finish the whole song?

Common mistakes

Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x 5 = 0.
Why it happens: Some children think that zero means nothing, so it can’t be counted.
Fix: Remember that zero groups of anything is zero. It’s like having no plates with cookies on them.
Mistake: Saying 6 x 6 = 36, but mixing up the order.
Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when you see the same number twice.
Fix: Count it out carefully: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 36. You can use your fingers or draw dots.
Mistake: Making the song too hard to remember.
Why it happens: Adding too many words or complex beats.
Fix: Keep your song simple and short. Use easy words and a familiar tune.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child write a times table song is fun and easy. Here’s how:

Start with a simple tune – Use songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Happy Birthday”
Write the facts together – Write out the table facts and read them aloud
Try different beats – Let your child tap out a rhythm or use clapping
Make it silly – Encourage fun words like “three little frogs” or “five dancing bears”
Practice singing – Sing it a few times together, then let your child take the lead

It’s okay if your child doesn’t get it right the first time. Learning times tables through songs is a process, and it’s best to keep it light and fun. Don’t worry if they forget a line or two – that’s normal!

Practice questions

What is 7 x 3?
What is 0 x 9?
What is 12 x 5?
How many groups of 6 are in 30?
What is 8 x 4?

Answers:

FAQ

What times table should I start with?
Start with easier tables like 2s, 5s, or 10s. These are easier to remember and help build confidence.

Can I use my own song?
Yes! You can use any song you know or make up a new one. The key is that it’s fun and easy to remember.

How long should my song be?
A short song with 5 to 10 lines works best. It’s easier to remember and fun to sing!

Do I have to write my song down?
No, but it helps to write it down so you can remember it. You can also draw pictures to go with your words.

Can I make a song for 11s and 12s?
Yes! Once you know the smaller tables, you can try 11s and 12s. Just remember to count carefully.