Original 4 times table rhyme ideas
Create safe, fresh rhyme prompts for double-double facts.
Quick answer
You can create your own fun and memorable 4 times table rhymes by using repeated groups, patterns, and simple stories. These rhymes help you remember 4 x 1 = 4, 4 x 2 = 8, and so on up to 4 x 12 = 48.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to create your own original 4 times table rhyme to help you remember the multiplication facts from 0 to 12.
- You can say the 4 times table from 0 to 12 out loud.
- You can make a rhyme that helps you remember 4 x 5 = 20.
- You can use your rhyme to solve a problem involving groups of 4.
- You can share your rhyme with a friend or family member.
Why this matters
Learning the 4 times table helps you do maths faster and easier. When you know your 4 times table, you can quickly work out how many items you have if you have several groups of 4. For example, if you are at a football match and there are 4 rows of 7 seats, you can quickly work out that there are 28 seats. Rhymes help you remember these facts easily, just like how you remember your favourite songs.
How it works
Creating a rhyme for the 4 times table is like making a fun story with numbers. Here's how to do it step by step:
- Choose a number to multiply by 4. For example, 6.
- Think of a simple story or image. Like 6 ducks swimming in a pond.
- Make a line about 4 times that number. "Six ducks, four times, that’s twenty-four!"
- Repeat it in a rhythm or beat. Tap your hands or clap as you say it.
- Try different numbers and stories. See which ones are easiest to remember.
Examples you can see
Here are some original 4 times table rhyme ideas to help you get started:
| Multiplication | Rhyme |
|---|---|
| 4 x 1 = 4 | One pair of socks, four toes, that’s four! |
| 4 x 2 = 8 | Two pairs of shoes, four toes each, that’s eight! |
| 4 x 3 = 12 | Three cats, four legs each, that’s twelve! |
| 4 x 4 = 16 | Four fish in a bowl, four tails, that’s sixteen! |
| 4 x 5 = 20 | Five stars, four points each, that’s twenty! |
| 4 x 6 = 24 | Six bees, four wings each, that’s twenty-four! |
| 4 x 7 = 28 | Seven birds, four legs each, that’s twenty-eight! |
| 4 x 8 = 32 | Eight rabbits, four ears each, that’s thirty-two! |
| 4 x 9 = 36 | Nine butterflies, four wings each, that’s thirty-six! |
| 4 x 10 = 40 | Ten fish, four fins each, that’s forty! |
| 4 x 11 = 44 | Eleven cows, four legs each, that’s forty-four! |
| 4 x 12 = 48 | Twelve dogs, four paws each, that’s forty-eight! |
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are a space explorer and you land on a planet where everything comes in groups of 4. You find 5 alien creatures, and each has 4 arms. How many arms do they have in total?
- First, you know that each alien has 4 arms.
- You have 5 aliens.
- So, 5 x 4 = 20 arms.
- Now, make a rhyme to remember: "Five aliens, four arms each, that’s twenty!"
- Try to make your own rhyme for 3 x 4, 7 x 4, and 10 x 4.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Saying "4 x 4 = 15" instead of 16.
- Why it happens: Confusing the 4 times table with another table or just guessing.
- Fix: Count 4, 8, 12, 16. Use your fingers or draw groups of 4 to check.
- Mistake: Forgetting to start with 4 x 0 = 0.
- Why it happens: Not understanding that multiplying by zero means no groups.
- Fix: Remember that zero groups of anything is zero. "Zero fish, four legs each, that’s zero!"
- Mistake: Making a rhyme that is too hard to remember.
- Why it happens: Trying to make a rhyme too complex or not using simple words.
- Fix: Keep it simple and use words you know well. Try clapping or singing it!
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
- Listening to your child's rhyme and asking them to explain it.
- Helping them think of new stories for numbers they find hard.
- Practising together with clapping or singing the 4 times table.
- Using real-life examples like 4 legs on 3 chairs (12 legs) or 4 wheels on 5 cars (20 wheels).
- Not worrying if they make a mistake – it's part of learning!
Encourage your child to write or draw their rhymes. You can even create a "Rhyme Book" together where each page is a new rhyme for a different number.
Practice questions
- What is 4 x 7?
- Make a rhyme for 4 x 9.
- How many legs do 6 dogs have?
- What is 4 x 11?
- Write a rhyme for 4 x 3.
Answers:
- 28
- Nine butterflies, four wings each, that’s thirty-six!
- 24 legs
- 44
- Three cats, four legs each, that’s twelve!
FAQ
Why should I make my own 4 times table rhyme?
Creating your own rhyme helps you remember the facts better because you are using your imagination and making it personal. It’s more fun than just memorising numbers!
Can I use 4 times table rhymes for other multiplication tables?
Yes! You can make rhymes for any times table. For example, for 3 times table, you can think of "three cats, four legs each, that’s twelve!"
What if I can’t remember my rhyme?
That’s okay! You can always go back and write or draw it again. Practising helps you remember better over time.
How can I make my rhyme more fun?
You can add actions like clapping or jumping, or even draw pictures. You can also sing it or say it with a funny voice!
Is it okay to use rhymes from the internet?
Yes, you can use them to get ideas, but it’s even better to make your own. That way, it’s special and personal to you!