Teaching prime numbers can be a real challenge, but using a catchy prime numbers song can make all the difference. Prime numbers are an abstract concept that can be tough for students to grasp, and getting them to remember which numbers are prime, stay engaged, and retain the information over time can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t worry – this prime numbers song offers a fun and effective solution!
The Prime Numbers Song
Here’s a fun prime numbers song to help your students remember the prime numbers up to 53. This song was passed along to me by a friend of a friend. Before using this song, make sure your students understand prime numbers and how they differ from composite numbers.
Prime Numbers Song Lyrics
(to the tune of the Addams Family theme song):
These are the PRIMES *snap *snap
These are the PRIMES *snap *snap
These are the PRIMES
These are the PRIMES
These are the PRIMES
2, 3, 5, and 7
We’re in a math heaven.
11, 13, 17, and don’t forget 19.
23, 29
We’re really doing fine.
31 and 37
Wish there were only eleven!
Chorus
41 and 43
You’ll use these, you will see.
47, 53
This is CORNY, you must agree!
How to Use the Prime Numbers Song in Your Classroom
1. Teach the Concept First
Before introducing the prime numbers song, ensure your students understand prime numbers. Explain how they are different from composite numbers, using visual aids and examples to help clarify the concept. Learning about the Sieve of Eratosthenes is a great way to learn about prime numbers.
2. Introduce the Song
Play the song for your students and go over the lyrics together. You might even want to display the lyrics on the board or a screen so everyone can follow along.
3. Sing Together
Have the class sing along with the prime numbers song. You can usually find instrumental versions of the Addams Family theme song on YouTube for your students to sing along to.
4. Repetition
Use the prime numbers song regularly to reinforce prime numbers. The more often they sing it, the better they will remember the prime numbers. Make it a fun part of your daily or weekly routine.
5. Pair with Activities
Use other engaging activities to reinforce the concept. Try prime number tic-tac-bingo, a prime and composite number partner game, or any other fun activity that helps students practice identifying prime numbers.
Extend the Learning
As a fun challenge, encourage your students to continue the song with the rest of the prime numbers up to 100. Let them get creative with the lyrics, and see how many more prime numbers they can add to the song!
Benefits of Using the Prime Numbers Song
Engagement: The song makes learning fun and interactive, helping to keep your students engaged.
Memorization: The repetitive nature of the song helps students memorize the prime numbers.
Retention: Regularly singing the prime numbers song helps reinforce the knowledge over time, making it more likely that students will retain the information.
I hope you find this prime numbers song as helpful in your classroom as I have in mine. Give it a try, your students will love it!
