Multiplication Fact Fluency: Classroom Math Resources
Hello Friends!
We returned to school this week after the fall break, and it’s been quite a week! Despite its length, I had an excellent time with my math intervention students.
We began focusing on multiplication fact fluency, a crucial skill for mathematical proficiency. I created some posters for my room, strategically placing them for easy reference by my students. They glance at these visual aids occasionally, utilizing the available resources around the room to enhance their understanding. I’ve had to scaffold ways to reinforce the learning process using the resources around the room so the students stop feeling like they’re “cheating”.
Just before school began in August, my classroom underwent a significant transformation. I switched rooms with a science teacher, and the room I inherited had been cherished by students for almost 14 years. Since our district opted for a more neutral color scheme, I repainted a turquoise wall (that I loved), which needed touch-ups anyway, in a dark smoke gray with subtle dark blue undertones. The rest of the walls were painted in a cool gray. The change was refreshing, and I love the new look!
During this makeover, the old whiteboards, warped and challenging to use, were replaced. It took six weeks for the new boards to arrive and be installed due to ongoing school renovations. Additionally, I initiated two Donors Choose projects for new chairs, aiming to have a matching set for my classroom. Being in a “new” classroom this year, I had to locate suitable tables. Fortunately, over the summer, sturdy tables were obtained from another school’s clean-out project. These tables, arranged in a big conference style, have proven to be ideal for my 3-5 G.A.T.E. and 3-5 Tier 3 Math Interventions classes, facilitating collaboration among students. It has also become the hub for PLC and RTI meetings.
My wonderful principal also ordered a Horseshoe table for my intervention pull-out groups. I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival! The day finally came and I got the call that the table was delivered-I was pumped! However, excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I saw a picture of the delivered table with a chunk broken off that looked like a dinosaur had used the table as a chew toy+. Patience is key as I continue to wait for a replacement. In the meantime, I’ve adapted by setting up a semi-circle of chairs around a smaller board, humorously referred to by one of my 5th graders as the “math séance” area. Here, we conduct brief lessons before moving to the conference table for more in-depth practice.
Finally, I hung the multiplication fact fluency posters in my classroom, now adorned with new boards and a thoughtfully arranged setup. This allows me to showcase my math materials strategically, avoiding overwhelming my students, and myself. I’m a “less is more” girl, but also a “use your resources” teacher!
These changes have positively impacted my students. The fresh, neutral classroom environment has created a more focused atmosphere for learning. Students appreciate the new visual aids, and the collaborative conference-style table has fostered a sense of teamwork during G.A.T.E. sessions and math interventions. The makeover not only enhanced the aesthetics but also improved the functionality of the space.
Despite the dent in the Horseshoe table, my students have enjoyed the temporary setup I have found an opportunity to adapt and overcome. It’s become a favorite spot for quick lessons, and the adaptability shown by the students has been great, it has turned into a very predictable classroom procedure for them. They know to grab a seat, a student white board, and a marker and wait for additional instructions.
More Multiplication Fluency and Other Resources Coming soon
As we move forward, I’m excited to continue developing resources to support multiplication fact fluency. The journey to optimize my TpT store with valuable math materials is in full swing. Stay tuned for more updates as I share the ongoing transformation of my classroom and the positive impact it has on my students’ learning experience!
Lecia Hopkins,
With Mrs. Hopkins’s Classroom
Here are the very cute posters I just made: Multiplication Strategies Poster
I would love to connect with you on socials, so that you can keep up with all the exciting things in Mrs. Hopkins’s Classroom.
