What is the best way to teach Multiplication Fact Fluency?
Hello Friends!
For the past two years, I have been a math interventionist! Prior to that, I taught 5th Grade Math, and before that, I taught all subjects in 2nd and 3rd! So, multiplication fact fluency is something I have spent a lot of time agonizing over!
How to best teach multiplication?….Which multiplication facts to learn first?…Is it better to teach multiplication using a computer program?… Are timed tests evil and breaking students’ spirits?
I have been dreaming of a way to provide a math fact fluency program similar to our reading program we have, where students can do multiplication practice, and then on “timed test day,” my students would take their fact tests. Then the computer would automatically decide if they have mastered that fact and would move them to the next level. I have yet to find a program that fits that bill for me. If I knew how to design a program, I would. The problem is, I also would rather my students do math with a good ole fashioned pencil and paper. Something about writing it down, I believe, makes it stick in your brain! How about you, are you a pencil and paper teacher or an electronic math fact fluency teacher?
Over the last several years, I have also done a lot of research on best practices centering around multiplication and how to best teach it. When I look back at my own elementary schooling…a LONG…TIME…ago…I can’t even remember how we were taught initially. I do, however, remember practicing with Holey cards…anyone else? (I actually inherited a set of Holey Cards from the amazing intervention teacher who retired before me). So I know that practice is a key component. But HOW do I initially teach them the facts, has been my ongoing research project. I ask myself questions like:
Do I isolate facts? Do I start with skip counting facts 2, 5, 10? Do I teach 0, 1 first, or wait until they have a foundation? If they pass one test, is that mastery?
Through my research, and using my own guinea pigs, I have found a program that works for my students. If you are here reading this, I am assuming you also are looking for best practices with multiplication strategies. So here is where I am going to tell you that I have put together a resource in my TpT store that I believe will help YOU with your multiplication instruction. It works with whole group, small group, and interventions. It teaches actionable strategies that they can use until they have their facts memorized. The goal for this is that they reach automaticity, through practice and scaffolded strategies. The resource I created has practice sheets, assessments, and answer keys! I have made posters that highlight each fact strategy and have an example of how to use the strategy, right on the poster! I of course, use these strategies AFTER I have taught them what multiplication is, by using manipulatives and scenarios.
You can check out the big bundle here: Multiplication Facts 2-12 Fluency Intervention Lessons and Worksheets Bundle
I am currently using this exact program with my intervention students. I am seeing success in their ability to figure out the facts, by using anchoring facts first. In addition to that, I am having to remind them less and less about the strategies. They are remembering on their own that if they are looking for 6 x 6, they can start with 6 x 5 and add another group of 6! This has made them faster! If you get this resource, let me know what amazing things you are seeing in your classroom with Multiplication Fact Fluency! If it is just one fact you need, I also have each fact listed separately, or mini bundles. You can find all the math fact fluency program here:
Lecia Hopkins
With Mrs. Hopkins’s Classroom
