Ever since my days of teaching 7th grade I have wanted to help my students develop their fluency in math facts. I would struggle teaching a student how to multiply 3/4 X 2/8 because they didn't know what 4X8 was. So... when I started teaching elementary I vowed that my kiddos would not leave me without knowing their math facts. But... how to do that? A lot of people say, "They just have to memorize them." Well, true, but what if they don't WANT to memorize them? What if there are too many facts to memorize and they just CAN'T do it? What then?
I started developing the new program I am currently using last year, and have perfected it this year. This is what I have come up with:
The program works with key elements of brain research:
* Students can hold only 2-3 new pieces of information in their working memory at one time. That is why each new practice session only includes 2 to 3 new facts and their opposites.
* Students learn best when they involve two or more senses in learning. This program incorporates both oral and written practice. Learners learn 90% of what they SAY and DO (Bloom, 1987).
* Students can remember things more easily when they connect new information with something they already know (Woolfolk, 1998). All new practice sheets include previously learned facts along with the new facts. This isn't simply learning their 1s, then their 2s, etc. because that doesn't work.
* In this program, some of the harder facts (such as 9X6 are taught in the middle rather than the end so the student really has more time to work on it).
* Another way to increase student memory is through verbal rehearsal. When a student practices (at home or at school with a partner) and makes a mistake, they repeat the correct problem and answer three times to cement it in their brain. They are presented the same problem three tries later to work through it again.
* Memory increases when dopamine is involved - basically if it is fun, kids will remember more!
So enough of the research and on to the fun!
Happy students wearing the "belts" they have won!
Yes, belts, as in karate belts. The program involves a karate theme and the students pass levels to earn different belts. They LOVE this!
We start by practicing our math facts orally. Each student has their own key ring with "belts" that have the math facts on them - problems only on one side and problems and answers on the other. One student says all of the problems and answers while the other student coaches, then they switch. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Here is a close-up of the cards.
Then we complete a 1 minute timed test. The students have folders with their current level in a sheet protector. They answer using a dry erase marker. I only make copies at the beginning of the year! Yeah!
If they finish before the time is up, they raise their folder above their head, I collect them, grade them, and change the sheet out if they are all correct.
Their name is also changed on our level board.
Since this picture I have also added my son, Luke and his buddy. They have been working each day after school and are proud to be among the higher kids in my class. The belts have become a hot commodity on the playground and many of the kids want them.
You can win the system by commenting below and letting me know that you follow my blog! I will pick one lucky winner Wednesday night.
I am also working on the division, addition, and subtraction versions so be looking for them soon!
If you have a blog, and would like to receive the product for free in exchange for a review, send me an email and let me know!
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