How to Teach Math Facts to Kids
Math facts are essential for learning basic operations as well as more complex skills that students will encounter in high school. If they do not master basic facts early, kids will struggle in math throughout school. Memorization is the main method for learning facts, but frequent review and games will reinforce math skills.
Instructions
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Introduce facts applicable to the skill you are teaching. Assigning a set of facts for more than one operation will overwhelm most students. It is also more effective to give students a few facts at a time to memorize. In lower elementary grades (K-2), allocate several days for learning the number one and two addition families.
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Drill students often. Get them to recite facts chorally as a whole group or in small groups. This does not have to be time consuming. Conduct this activity before getting ready for lunch or during the last few minutes of class. Consistency and repetition is the key to success.
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Keep facts posted in the classroom. Children will learn better when they have a visual reminder. Write facts on chart paper or a poster board. You can also buy fact charts at teacher supply or discount stores. Allow kids to refer to facts for classwork, but cover them up or take them down during a test.
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Review facts in class, and send copies of them home so review can continue after school. Give one minute quizzes or a fact sheet that students have to complete while being timed. Print facts from on line sites for students to keep in their binders and take home to study. Free times tables are available at Mathisfun.com.
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Play games to reinforce math facts. Classroom and Internet games are effective learning tools for students. A Plus Math has timed quizzes and interactive flash card activities at their on line site. Popular classroom games include "Around The World" and "Math Baseball". These games are fun and only require flash cards.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit math image by jaddingt from Fotolia.com
