One of our first grade goals is to introduce our students to learning math facts. We want our students to have fun with the process – yes, fun! With this in mind, I am excited to introduce a program called Mastering Math Facts (a.k.a. Track Math) to you and your children. This program only takes a few minutes each day of class time and minimal practice at home. Basically, students will learn to practice addition and subtraction facts in order to pass timed tests. In first grade, this is a LOW-PRESSURE and positive process. Each student will try to achieve individualized goals based on their handwriting & processing speeds. Mastering Math Facts is unique because it teaches only a few addition and subtractions facts at a time. The program allows each child to go at his or her own pace.
You can help at home by practicing at home. On Thursdays, your child will have a few practice sheets in his/her green folder. When you have time (and I know how difficult this can be), practice with your child for five minutes with the practice sheets. Here’s how:
¬Your child should have the top half of the day’s practice sheet (without answers written in) in front of himself or herself. Work only on the top half of the sheet.
¬Have your child read each fact aloud and then say the answers to you. If you hear a hesitation or an error on that fact, give your child some extra practice on that fact. The best way to give extra practice is by immediately giving your child the correct answer, then ask him or her to repeat the problem and the answer once more. Next, back up three problems and have your child begin again. If there is no hesitation or mistake when the problem is reached this time, be sure to praise your child and let him or her continue.
¬Work until finishing the top half of the page, but no more than five minutes in one session. If you wish to do a second session, wait at least an hour, or try it again in the morning. When memorizing facts, two short sessions hours apart are far more helpful than one long session.
Future success in math is dependent upon knowing facts so well that the answers come automatically. More emphasis will be placed on this important skill in second grade. Again, we strive simply to introduce our students to the process of learning and mastering facts. The success they experience will boost their confidence and increase their motivation for future learning. The first graders are very excited about Track Math, so let’s cheer them on! Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
