Practice SuperSpeed Multiplication.
Everyone has two levels of addition, subtraction and multiplication tests in protection sheets in their binders. It's pretty simple to play. The person testing sets a goal as to how many facts they can get through in one minute. If they make a mistake, the teacher says "no __X__ = __ go back two. If their goal is met in one minute, on the next try, go down to the next row, set a goal, start the timer for one minute and begin again. If it is not met, go back to the beginning and reset the goal if necessary. Nothing is written down. It is all done orally. When your child completes level 1 going across, have them go down the rows. Then when that is mastered, go on to level 2 Multiplication. There are Gnarlies that have been proven to be difficult problems for the smartest people!! The Gnarlies are highlighted on the sheets but personal Gnarlies can be identified too.
There was a definite hum in the room today as everyone was practicing at the same time today!
**Fact fluency is one thing that I hear about the most from teachers in the upper grades. It seems to be a weak area but hopefully this "Whole Brain" approach will work for us!!
We only practiced multiplication today. As we get more of a routine down, we'll practice addition and subtraction too.
**Please try to set aside three days (or more) a week practicing SuperSpeed facts.