Math Matters December 2013 Montgomery County R-II

1. Math Matters December 2013 Montgomery County R-II As parents we want our children to have a strong foundation in the basic subject areas. At home we can promote the development of math skills and mathematical thinking. This month’s focus is on helping our children master the basic math facts. What is mastery? Mastery is both automaticity and understanding. Automaticity is students’ ability to effortlessly recall a fact. If students are automatic, they have successfully committed the facts to memory. In addition, we want our students to understand, not simply remember, these important math facts. What can I do at home? 1. Flashcards – You can purchase some, make your own, or print some off from the internet. 2. Website practice –internet searches will help you find fun games 3. Apps – if you have an iPod or iPad, there are many fun apps for practicing math facts 4. Worksheet practice – search the internet to find free printable math fact worksheets. 5. “War” (works well with addition and multiplication) – 2 people. Use a deck of playing cards. Each of you gets half of the deck. Each person turns one card over, you add or multiply the two numbers together in your head, whoever says the answer first gets both cards. 6. “Forehead math” (works for multiplication and division) – 3 people. The leader gives each person one card and those people hold the card on their forehead. The leader multiplies the two numbers together and says the answer. The first player to say the two correct numbers gets both cards. 7. Multiplication Clocks – Draw a circle, one number in the center, other numbers around the outside, student goes around and multiplies. 8. Practice in the car when you are going somewhere. Mom or Dad or an older sibling can ask random facts. 9. There are also pre-made card games or board games that target math facts if you are looking for a good gift to give to your child.