The debate rages over whether or not students should “memorize” their facts. We should really be discussing automaticity or fluency, not memorization. Our instructional practices should also stress understanding of the concepts behind math facts, rather than rote memorization.
The fact is that students who are not fluent with the basic math facts are at a huge disadvantage with most other aspects of math. Consider a long division problem–students are required to use multiplication, division, and subtraction to complete a long division problem. Granted, most of us would use a calculator to perform the calculation, but that is not typically an option for our elementary students. Another example is equivalent fractions. The more fluent students are with multiplication and division facts, the easier it is for them to see the relationships between equivalent fractions.
How does fact fluency progress? In second grade, the goal is for students to be fluent with addition and subtraction facts. In third grade, multiplication facts are added along with the connection to related division facts. By fourth grade, students should be fluent in the basic facts for all four operations.
So how do we accomplish this? First, we need to find engaging and meaningful ways for students to practice. There are a wealth of online computer games and apps for practicing basic facts. Many are even free. If you are using a workshop approach to math instruction, consider making one of your rotations fact fluency practice. There are enough different games that students shouldn’t get tired of any one game. Just keep rotating the games.
Next, work to create a partnership with parents regarding fact fluency practice. Are you currently sending home fact practice worksheets? Consider changing your approach and instead provide parents with information about online games students can use at home. It’s a win-win proposition. I’ll bet no parent ever had to fight with a student to get them to play games on the computer, while the same probably can’t be said about drill-and-kill worksheets.
Today I’m providing a flyer you can send home with multiplication practice games. These particular games are computer-based, rather than for tablets. The PDF file contains links to all of the websites, so if you send it to parents electronically, they can access each game by clicking on the link.
Loved these games! Would like to see a pdf for division too, please.
Honestly, there just aren’t as many for division. Just like there are more addition sites than subtraction ones.But, if they know their multiplication, it makes division much easier because of the relationship between the operations.
Fantastic. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing is resource. I am having difficulty downloading the practice websites to share with my parents. Can you help?
Can you tell me more about the problem? Can you get to the file and just not download it?
Do you have a resource for multiplication poems or rhymes or to music? .
No, I actually don’t, Jeanine. Sorry! I’ll bet if you Google it, you’ll find some things.
Did you use an app to create your flyer? Or desktop program? If you don’t mind my asking, could you share it? I would like to create a flyer for my students for other areas like decimals and fractions. THANKS! BB
Actually, I just do it in Microsoft Word. 🙂
Wow its gorgeous!
I shared your flyer w/ my schools……they loved it! Do you happen to have fliers for addition and subtraction practice already made up as well? If so, I’d love them as some teachers have asked.
I actually don’t at this time, Deb. But I guess I ought to get on that! 🙂
If you do……please keep me in mind for copies.
Of course! I’ll definitely post it.
Being a special ed math teacher for middle schoolers, it is hard to find things that keep their interest when practicing their facts. A lot of what I find for them to practice with is too babyish looking and they don;t want to practice on it. I have not heard of some of these sites on your poster and am willing to try them out. So far, the only thing that works for us is xtramath. I appreciate your knowledge about fact fluency and getting the parents involved. Definitely something I am going to do!
I absolutely love the post that you share with us. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Hello! Thank you so much for this PDF of fun games! I love it!! I wanted to let you know that the link to the multiplication Bingo is not longer working.
Truly enjoy ALL of your resources!!
Thank you SO much! I’ve updated the link in the flyer now. I really appreciate that you let me know!
Is this poster interactive somewhere? I work in a district that MOST “games” are blocked. I’d like to try the links without typing it all in if possible. Thanks in advance.
The links in the PDF are clickable.