Why Math Facts in a Flash? It is becoming more and more evident
that students do not know their basic facts, including addition, subtraction,
and multiplication. Ideally, these
facts would be automatic so students can spend more time analyzing the larger
problem (i.e.: multi-digit
addition, subtraction, or word problems) without having to spend their energy
figuring out 7 + 4 or 6 x 3. There
is not enough time in the day for this type of practice, and often,
memorization. We would rather
spend our math class time on higher order thinking problems and processes.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Pennington and
Mr. Slabaugh learned about a program, Math Facts in a Flash, that is being used
at Wellman Elementary and Washington Township. Recently, we were able to purchase it for Kalona
Elementary. The
program takes students through the four basic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division) and then goes on to other topics
such as fractions, decimals, percents, etc. Students must achieve mastery
at a particular level in a specific time frame before moving on to the next
level. We spent time in class on
Monday getting started. Fourth graders
will have approximately 30 minutes in school a week to work with this
program. However the good news is
that students can access this from home as well--what a quick and easy way to
get in 5-10 minutes of fact practice each day!
The payoff will be immense!
To access Math Facts in a Flash, go to:
Username: First name (capitalized) and then
last initial (capitalized) JohnD
Password: Initials (both lowercase) jd
Ideally, these facts would be help me with math automatic so students can spend more time analyzing the larger problem (i.e.: multi-digit addition,
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