Fluency Expectations
To be flexible means to be quick, accurate and flexible in one's thinking. The common core outlines fluency expectations for math facts and computation skills by grade level.
Our Academics
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Triangle Cards
Triangle Flash Cards are a great way to practice multiplication and division together. Click the button to make your own set!
Greg Tang Math
This website has some great games, as well as fun books to help build fluency and flexibility!
IXL
All students have access to IXL. Fluency practice at all grades is available.
Tips for Learning Multiplication/Division Facts
Tips for Practicing the Multiplication Facts
1. Some of the table are easier to remember than others.
x 2 ….. related to the addition doubles (2 X 8 = 8+8)
x 10….. think of counting by 10’s… look at the pattern
X 5 … always end in a “5” or “0”
If you know your x 10 facts, halve them.
X 9 …. There’s a cool trick for the nines! It is hard to explain in writing, but ask your child to show you (or call me and I’ll explain.) Also, for all products in the nines, the sum of the digits is 9. ( ie: 9 x 2 = 18 1 + 8 = 9)
I'm not a huge fan of "tricks" but the nines are just too good to pass up!
2. Most importantly, help your child use “start with” facts. For example, if they do not know 8 x 7, they may know another fact that they can start with. For example, if they know that 8x5 = 40 , they only need to add on 2 more 8’s to the 40. This is more efficient than starting from 0, and helps children see the relationship between numbers. Eventually, this thinking leads to "just knowing."
3. Visualize the fact with an array.
How many rows? How many in each row?
Use array cards to help master the multiplication facts.
These help students use known facts to figure out new facts, support conceptual understanding, and help them see the relative size of products.
4.Talk about the facts. What does 5 x 7 mean? (5 groups with 7 in each group.)
Make up a short oral story to illustrate the meaning of the fact.
5. Limit the number of facts you are working on at any time.
Keep two envelopes : Facts I Know and Facts I’m Working On .
Once a fact is known automatically 3 days in a row, move it to the “Facts I Know” envelope. If your child likes visual representation of how they’re doing, use the chart on the back of this page to chart their progress.
6. Consistent practice with automatic feedback is the key to learning the facts. 5 minutes of quality practice a day will make a big difference!
7. Games are a great way to practice. Model your thinking as you play!
8. Flashcards? These are pricy but really cool!! I am a big Greg Tang fan! These push strategic thinking!
https://tangmath.com/products/gregtangmath-flashcards-multiplication
If you have any questions or would like additional resources, please let me know !
Colleen Cummings
Center School Math Specialist ccummings@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Math Facts are best learned and practiced by utilzing strategies. Consistent practice of 5-10 minutes a night will help your child master the multiplication and division facts. Fluency with math facts is critical to success!! Please make the time to practice!