➗ Maths Poetry for KS2: Playing with Numbers in Verse ✍️🎲
🌟 Why Try Maths Poetry?
Maths and poetry might seem like opposites — one uses numbers, the other words — but they combine beautifully in the classroom. Maths poetry KS2 activities help children:
-
Build confidence with mathematical vocabulary and concepts 🔢
-
Practise rhythm, rhyme, and pattern recognition 🎶
-
Explore fractions, shapes, and times tables in creative ways ✍️
-
Enjoy a cross-curricular link between English and maths 📚➕
🔗 Related: List Poems KS2 • Performance Poetry KS2
📝 Example Maths Poems
1. The Counting Cat
I had a cat with one long tail,
She chased two mice along the rail.
She climbed up high on three big trees,
Then leapt back down with four quick knees!
2. Multiplication Magic
Two times two is four — hooray!
Three times two is six today.
Four times two is eight — let’s cheer,
Numbers grow as they appear!
3. The Hungry Seven
I had a slice of cake so great,
I shared with friends — we each got eight.
But sneaky seven took a bite…
Now fractions don’t divide just right!
4. Minus Trouble
Ten bright apples in my tray,
I gave three of them away.
Now I’m left with — take a look —
Only seven in my book.
5. Times Table Train
Hop on board, don’t be late,
Choo-choo goes the table of eight.
8, 16, 24 too,
32 is waiting for you!
6. A Shape’s Secret
A triangle whispers, “Count my three sides,”
A square shouts back with four that it hides.
A circle giggles, “You’ll never win —
I go round and round, no corners in!”
7. Infinity
Numbers stretch both low and high,
Past the ground and past the sky.
No matter how far you may run,
There’s always one more to be done.
8. Minus the Fun! (Number Puzzle Poem)
From 50 take away…
• The Prime Minister’s door
• The letters in the alphabet
• The wives of King Henry VIII
Now add…
• A baker’s dozen
• The second highest odd number under 20
• The eyes on a Cyclops
Now divide by…
• The wise monkeys
Did you get it?
(Unlucky!)
🎉 Maths Poetry Activities for KS2
💡 Times Table Raps
Turn multiplication facts into raps or chants. Pupils can add actions or percussion.
💡 Shape Poems
Write short descriptive poems in the shape of circles, squares, or triangles.
💡 Fraction Rhymes
Challenge children to write their own silly fraction poems (e.g. “Half a pizza, then some more, now there’s nothing left to store!”).
💡 Puzzle Poems
Invite pupils to create their own maths riddle poems, like Minus the Fun!.
💡 Poetry Slam
Groups perform maths poems aloud with rhythm and energy.
👩🏫 Teacher Tips
-
Use poems to reinforce maths topics (fractions, shapes, times tables).
-
Encourage performance — rhythm and rhyme help memorisation.
-
Display maths poems in the classroom to keep key vocabulary visible.
-
Celebrate creativity — maths can be silly, fun, and playful!
🔗 Related: Creative Writing Starters KS2 • Fun Writing Warm-Ups KS2
🌟 Final Thought
Maths poetry KS2 brings numbers to life in ways pupils will never forget. From The Counting Cat to Minus the Fun!, poetry turns multiplication, fractions, and even infinity into creative, memorable experiences.
👉 Want to bring cross-curricular creativity to your pupils? My Poetry Days in schools combine English, maths, science, and performance poetry to inspire learners.
