Knowing basic facts is an important step to being able to apply new math
skills. Students in all grade levels should practice flashcards every day
for 10 minutes, specifically focusing on the facts that are unfamiliar.
Look below for a guide by grade level.
First Grade - Basic Addition and Subtraction Facts to 18
Second Grade - Basic Addition and Subtraction Facts to 18
Third Grade - Basic Multiplication and Division Facts to 144
You can practice these facts in a fun way by registering your child for an
account at xtramath.org. Presently, it is free to join and use. Xtramath.org
is a web-based program that is similar to digital flashcards with a little
twist - the program monitors and adjusts to your child's needs! The program
begins by having the student complete a placement test. Then the program
presents facts on the screen. As your child answers the facts, the program
analyzes your child's responses and delivers a personalized program that
addresses facts that your child needs to practice. It literally takes only 5
minutes a day. The results are impressive for students who use the web site
daily. In fact, my own children are a testimony to the effectiveness of the
program. My 4th grade daughter needed to increase her rapidity in recalling
her multiplication and division facts. She could do the math, but relied on
counting strategies to find the products which interfered with her progress
when it came to multi-digit multiplication problems and division with
remainders. After working through the program, she now knows her math facts
so quickly that she is able to do those larger problems mentally. My 2nd
grade son has completed the multiplication program and is now working on
quickly finishing his division facts.
