pocjets Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 My 4th grader still doesn't know all of her multiplication facts. She can multiply 2 digits numbers X 2 digit numbers but still has to look at her fact sheet. (She knows how to solve but can't do it quickly). Should I completely stop math focus only on facts until she has them down cold or should I keep going in her math hoping she'll pick them up? Thank you so much!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbaeimers Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Can you do other things to supplement the math facts without stopping math all together? For example flash cards, math bingo, xtramath.org, or IXL? I would try to work on the math facts as soon as possible because it is going to effect math for the rest of their schooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeriJ Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 We are in the exact same boat. At the moment, I have stopped somewhat to work on it. We just do 1/2 of our normal math lesson and then spend the rest of the time working on facts. One day a week, we spend the entire time on the facts. So far, I'm having her copy them, recite them, skip count, do flashcards and practice on paper. Halcyon has a thread going on the general board about math facts ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threedogfarm Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I don't think that you should drop math while she solidifies the math facts. You could always move onto something other than arithmetic for a while AND practice the math facts. Options would include measuring, geometrical figures, etc. We use Singapore and if you're using that, you can just go onto the next section that isn't reinforcing multiplication for a while. We recently purchased the game Muggins as a way to reinforce math facts (we were looking for multiplication specifically). Some on the board had suggested the games Muggins it in another thread and it's a lot of fun to play. It's expensive but really helps to reinforce the math facts without going the flash cards route. The company's website has some youtube videos that demonstrate how to play it. Rainbow Resource had the best price ($10 cheaper than Amazon from what I remember. . .). We haven't played Knockout! yet which is on the other side of the board but it looks like fun too. I like it because I don't get bored playing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 We are in the exact same boat as well. I chose to move on for now ... But may rescind that soon. My dd is doing a chapter on division new and so multiplication is being used a bit and I am seeing improvement but I think we need to be more intentional about getting the facts down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbernt Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I wouldn't stop completely--that's a lot of pressure that could have some negative effects possibly. I'd keep going but keep reinforcing/practicing on the side, consistently. I think the consistency is the key, and maybe helping them see that they are making progress.Doing timed drills (like Saxon program has) and charting their progress is good, or making a chart that gets filled in as they know each fact; they can see their progress as "filling up the page". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SierraNevada Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I'd keep going, but slow down to just "maintain" until she has the facts down cold. It will make going forward so much easier. With the online scene now, there are so many amazing math fact apps and games that make getting them down fun, easy and pretty fast. Try Timez Attack! It is a downloadable computer game that in 20 min. a day will have her up to speed in a few weeks or so. We loved it. There are lots of others too. With the ability to make it so much more fun these days don't make her suffer with boring flash cards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowergirl159 Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I have had this trouble too! We use Singapore, so there isn't a lot of review included. About four weeks ago, I began using flashcards every day. DD9 has just started on Singapore 4A. She knew most 2x, some 3x, could work out most 5x, but that was it. So I began with multiplication flashcards, 2x, 3x and 5x (I even put the 1x in there for lightness and fun while working on the difficult ones. Now she knows these facts, we have added 4x, 6x and 7x (I only added 4x, first, then as she was getting the hang of those, added in 6x). I have taken out 1x, most 2x. We do this at the beginning of each maths lesson. The first few weeks, it took us 2mins max. Now I only spend 5mins. If we don't get through all the cards, it doesn't matter. Her ability to recall maths facts now, is amazing! She is faster than me with some of them. Just 5mins each day, and it doesn't cost much for a set of flashcards. I am also doing this with my DD7 for addition facts. And DD5, with addition - hers is more for fun, but at the same time I am amazed at how quickly she is picking them up and retaining them. So, no I wouldn't stop! I had previously considered that too, but glad that I kept on. Just a few minutes of review each day can go a long way :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in SA Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 Keep doing it daily. Time her pace through the cards, and compare one pass to the next. It will make it a little less dry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I'd do practice five to ten minutes a day inaddition to other math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 We do this at the beginning of each maths lesson. The first few weeks, it took us 2mins max. Now I only spend 5mins. If we don't get through all the cards, it doesn't matter. Her ability to recall maths facts now, is amazing! She is faster than me with some of them. Just 5mins each day, and it doesn't cost much for a set of flashcards. Agreed. I've been having my kids spend a few minutes on flashcards each day. It's a very valuable 3 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I would continue with the daily math and do daily facts drills once or twice everyday, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 I think I'd treat facts and math as two separate subjects and practice both at different times of the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.