How to Help Struggling Learners with Math Facts
Children need to master basic math facts in primary grades(K-3) in order to be successful in math throughout school. If a child struggles to memorize and apply these facts, they will continue to have difficulty because most math skills build on previously learned information. Teachers need to identify and target struggling students and address their needs through supplemental exercises and intense intervention that focuses on a specific set of math facts.
Things You'll Need
- Flash cards
- Math games
- Plastic number tiles (optional)
- Playing cards (optional)
- Dice (optional)
Instructions
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Drill math facts daily using a variety of techniques and materials. Most math facts have to be learned by rote memorization. In addition to whole class recitation, teachers should use flash cards and have kids snap their fingers or clap as they recite addition or multiplication facts. These methods help students who have learning disabilities or attention deficits focus on the activity and retain more information.
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Play math games in the classroom and utilize online activities. Math Bingo is played like the traditional version. Teachers can make or purchase this game and play several variations to review addition, subtraction and multiplication facts. There are many online sites with interactive fact practice. AAA Math and Math Playground provide practice with activities that are easy for children to navigate independently. Kids benefit by receiving instant feedback on their accuracy, which motivates them to continue working.
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Conduct one-on-one interventions with students who continue to struggle. They probably need extensive practice in a small group setting or alone with the teacher. To be effective, sessions should be no longer than fifteen or twenty minutes and should focus on one math fact skill. Use plastic number tiles, playing cards or dice to give students a visual aid. Do not review other facts until they demonstrate eighty-five percent accuracy on the current skill.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit numbers image by Ruta Saulyte from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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jtapper
Jun 15, 2010
Yeow! This is exactly what is meant by the "Louder and Slower" approach. Student don't need more drilling on facts (usually). There is little relationship between knowing facts and success in advanced mathematics. Check out the research. The "approach" that you advocate is simplistic and ineffective.
