Times tables for musical learners

Quick answer

Times tables can be learned more easily and enjoyably when you use rhythm, beat, chants, and invented tunes. This musical approach helps children remember multiplication facts while having fun and staying engaged.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to learn and remember your times tables using rhythm, beat, and songs – making maths feel like music and play.

• You can chant your times tables in a fun way
• You can use rhythm to help remember multiplication facts
• You can create your own tune to help you learn
• You can play a game using your times tables and music

Why this matters

Learning your times tables is important because it helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly and easily. When you know your tables by heart, you can focus on understanding new ideas instead of counting on your fingers.

But not everyone learns best by just writing or reading. Many children learn better when they move, sing, or play. Using music to learn times tables helps your brain remember facts in a way that’s more fun and lasting.

Whether you're learning 2s, 5s, or 12s, you can make it musical and memorable. Music helps you connect numbers with rhythm and movement, so you don’t just memorise – you truly understand.

How it works

Learning times tables with music is simple and fun. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose your table – Pick a number you want to learn, like 3s or 7s.
2. Count the groups – Think of how many groups of that number you have.
3. Make a beat – Tap, clap, or stomp to match the number of groups.
4. Chant the facts – Say the multiplication facts in a rhythm or tune.
5. Make up a song – Use a familiar tune or make up your own to help remember.

For example, if you're learning the 4 times table:

• 1 group of 4 = 4
• 2 groups of 4 = 8
• 3 groups of 4 = 12
• 4 groups of 4 = 16

Try clapping or tapping the beat as you say each fact. This helps your body remember the numbers too.

Examples you can see

Here’s how to use music to learn the 4 times table:

Now try it yourself! Clap or stomp the beat as you say each fact. You can even try saying it in a silly voice or with a funny dance move!

Here’s another example using the 7 times table:

Try this with your family or friends. You can make it a game – who can remember the fastest?

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you’re on a treasure hunt! You need to solve multiplication clues to find the treasure. Each clue is a times table fact. You must use your beat and chant to solve each one. Here’s your first clue:

Clue 1: I have 3 groups of 5 coins. How many coins do I have?

Think: 3 x 5 = ?

Clap or tap the beat: 3 taps for 3 groups, 5 claps for 5 coins in each group.

Answer: 15 coins!

Clue 2: I have 4 groups of 6 stars. How many stars are there?

Think: 4 x 6 = ?

Tap 4 times for 4 groups, 6 claps for 6 stars in each group.

Answer: 24 stars!

Clue 3: I have 5 groups of 8 apples. How many apples are there?

Think: 5 x 8 = ?

Tap 5 times for 5 groups, 8 claps for 8 apples in each group.

Answer: 40 apples!

Can you solve the rest of the clues? Make up your own treasure hunt with your own multiplication facts!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 6 x 7 = 42 but forgetting it’s 42.
• Why it happens: You might have said it once and forgot to practice it again.
• Fix: Keep practicing with a beat or tune until you feel confident.

• Mistake: Counting on fingers instead of using a rhythm.
• Why it happens: You might not have found a musical way to remember yet.
• Fix: Try clapping, stomping, or humming the numbers to help your brain remember.

• Mistake: Mixing up 9 x 6 and 6 x 9.
• Why it happens: You might not know that multiplication works the same way in any order.
• Fix: Remember that 9 x 6 = 54 and 6 x 9 = 54 – they’re the same!

Parent and carer guide

Learning times tables with music is a great way to help your child feel confident and excited about maths. Here’s how you can support them:

• Make it fun: Join in with clapping, tapping, or singing. Let your child lead the beat!
• Use familiar tunes: Try singing your tables to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Happy Birthday".
• Practice together: Sit down and learn one table at a time. Use rhythm, beat, and movement.
• Be patient: Some children need more time to find their musical way to learn.
• Keep it short: 5-10 minutes of musical practice is better than 30 minutes of stress.

Don’t worry if your child gets confused or makes mistakes – that’s part of learning. Encourage them to keep trying and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Practice questions

1. Clap the beat for 3 x 4 = ?
2. What is 5 x 6 = ?
3. Tap the rhythm for 7 x 3 = ?
4. What is 9 x 4 = ?
5. How many groups of 8 are in 8 x 5 = ?

Answers:

1. 3 x 4 = 12 (clap 3 times for 3 groups, 4 claps for 4 in each group)
2. 5 x 6 = 30
3. 7 x 3 = 21 (tap 7 times for 7 groups, 3 claps for 3 in each group)
4. 9 x 4 = 36
5. 8 x 5 = 40 (5 groups of 8 = 40)

FAQ

How can I make my own tune for times tables?

You can use a familiar song like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and change the words to your multiplication facts.

Is it okay to use my fingers while learning with music?

Yes, but try to use your body rhythm first. Fingers are good for checking, not for learning.

Can I learn all times tables at once using music?

No, it's better to focus on one table at a time. Once you know one well, move on to the next.

How long should I practice each day?

5 to 10 minutes a day is enough. It’s better to practice a little every day than to do a lot once.

What if my child doesn’t like music?

Try different methods – movement, drawing, or games. If music doesn’t work, try something else. Every child learns differently.