M is for MATH FACTS!

M is for Math Facts!

One huge frustration when teaching math is, THE KIDS DON'T KNOW THEIR BASIC FACTS!

So, as part of my 5th grade math workshop model, I have a rotation every day for math facts.

The students follow this order for rotations:

Math Rotations order

I pre and post test using Math Expressions online software, Math Central.  The students are in groups according to their needs.  The groups are flexible and change with each unit.

Back to Math Facts!  When it is time for math facts, they go to the math facts station.  Which is just a basket that says math facts.  It's right underneath my learning target board, where we have our big carpet meeting space:

As you can see, I list what they are doing at each center on my learning target board.  They know they can check this at any time during math if they forget what to do.  They hardly ever have to check it- each station is self explanatory and has become a habit for them.

The Math Facts Basket
I need to re-write Math Facts, it's coming off.  Must be the end of the year!  LOL.

They look in the math facts basket for materials and directions.  I have several different games, and I keep them organized on metal shelves.

Here's some ideas of what they do at the math facts station:

1.  Multiplication and Division flash cards.  Yes, even in 5th and 6th grade, we take time and just do basic practice.  I try to only do these as needed.  More often in the beginning of the year, and less often later in the year.

2.  Timed math facts tests- using Smart Clickers.  Here's a Youtube video from my classroom showing how GREAT this works!  

3.  Flashcards reviewing what has already been taught.  For example, order of operations.  When practicing the order of operations, students are also practicing computation and math facts!  I write the problem on one side, and the answer on the back.  One kid is the "teacher" and the other kids all have dry erase boards.  They solve the problem and share.

4.  Multiplication Bingo and Division Bingo

5.  Our current unit is measurement.  So, I made flash cards practicing how many grams are in a milligram, how many quarts in a gallon, etc.  This really helps with the other work they are doing.

6.  Decimal place value cards.

7.  Sometimes, toward the end of a unit, I actually write the test questions on flashcards.  Then they practice solving them.  It's a great way to study for the test, and it keeps them on their toes because they want to know what's on the test.  :)  They usually don't figure this out until they take the test.  The kids who worked hard at the math facts station are rewarded with a better grade.

Well... that's pretty much it for math facts.  My next post will be about the hands on center.  It's super easy and I have tried many different ways to do it.  I think I finally have it working smoothly- so follow my blog so you don't make my same mistakes!

As I think of things, I just add them to my collection.  Do you have any fun math facts games?  Any ideas?  List them below in the comments section!

Happy Teaching! 

:) Nala Bella

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Here's the link to my class webpage: CLICK HERE!