Data Folders + Multiplication = Success!

By kids learning their basic math facts, more difficult concepts will be easier to learn.  Adding/subtracting factions, finding lowest common denominators, or balancing algebraic equations all rely on basic fact knowledge.

While facts are so important, that's not all we do in math (actually we take a mere 10 minutes or so working on math facts and computation each day!).  Here's a look into these 10 minutes:

1.  Mental Math:  During this time, we review previously learned concepts, using it as a warm up time.  This unit, mental math has revolved around factors, multiples, fact families, and even prime numbers.

2.  ATTACK OF THE 6020s!:  Students have 60 seconds to answer 20 facts; each fact has a common multiple.  These are completely optional, as students who aren't ready to take them will not benefit from an impossible struggle.  However, if they opt out, those students will spend time practicing those particular multiples.  Once a student defeats a 6020, s/he gets to fill in that number on a data folder sheet.  It's a sweet one minute that is differentiated to meet each child's level!

3.  50-Facts Test:  This is the grandaddy of them all!  We only do these ever 3 weeks, and it is more of a progress tracker than anything else.  Students are given 50 facts to answer and three minutes to do so.  During the first minute, they cannot skip any problems.  In the last two minutes, they can work on problems they choose.  We then score and graph these in our data folders as well.  However many facts students answer correctly in the first minute is how much they will shade in blue.  Their total score for the entire three minutes is scored in green.  The picture below is a "typical growth" example.  Again, we will do this every 3 weeks, but it is a great way for students to see their growth over an extended period of time.

 

Include these three aspects with lots of fun math games, and I'm expecting all students to exceed their goals with math facts (and concepts!).  All of this, in turn, adds to their love of learning!