Monday, January 14, 2013

Mathy Monday! And a GIVE-AWAY!

I've always been honest with those around me about my "relationship" with math.  We used to be enemies, but now we're very close. In fact, we are so close, I allow math to spend much of the day in my classroom, alongside my students.  We're practically B.F.F's.

With that said, my views on teaching math are constantly evolving, and I think any teacher implementing the Common Core Standards can probably relate to this.  As I make my way through the Common Core, one third grade standard  in particular really sticks with me:

3.OA.C. 7 Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

The underlined part is what gives me the biggest pause, I am now responsible for determining if a student is proficient at memorizing facts!  I CRIED over memorizing multiplication facts when I was a kid!  REAL TEARS!!!!!!! 

Now, we've spent months developing our conceptual understanding of multiplication and division, as we should have, it's a critical area in 3rd grade.  I fully understand that knowing multiplication facts from memory helps students solve more difficult problems down the road.  I had to memorize facts as a kid (remember, tears?!).  But as a teacher, I've never been one to focus on "answer production", and in all honesty...I've never required my students to formally prove that they know their multiplication facts.

Instead, I have always addressed computational fluency through games- card games, dice games, array games, computer games, etc.  And so far, no tears from the students (or me).         

So my wondering is...how do you address computational fluency at your grade level?  What activities work well for your students?  Do you have a "no-tears" approach for math facts?!

Now for the give away!  For surviving Monday, I will give the first 3 people to leave a comment my "Multiplication Boot Camp" packet from Teacher's Pay Teachers.  It has 12 of my favorite "games" for practicing math facts, quick fact assessments, a progress tracking sheet, and a homework log.  You can find more info here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Boot-Camp-Grade-3
Just leave your email in the comment box and I will send it to you!

Good luck!

    

9 comments:

  1. Conceptual understanding is so important! My students were eager to start multiplication but they just saw it as memorizing facts. When they started learning what multiplying really meant they were like "oh! This is cool" We are still in our beginning steps of multiplication but using things like arrays and other representations has really opened their eyes to the real meaning behind multiplication!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you have my email don't you?! Yay I'm so excited to see your multiplication boot camp!

      Delete
  2. I do have your email, Allison! I'm sending your "Multiplication Boot Camp" tonight!

    We spent a LOT of time representing multiplication with arrays, which helped make the connection between arrays and area that much clearer. It was definitely worth the extra time and effort, and I have seen leaps and bounds in what they can do. Thanks for the comment!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Since I only have 30 minutes 2x a week with my kidos who need the extra practice, we use multiplication rap! I also implement a beach ball to be passed around as we practice. The Smartboard has become my friend, my students have fun while learning and to them it doesn't seem like such a horrific concept :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Audrey, I've seen you in action, so I'm sure it is awesome. I'm curious about the beach ball...is it a "who ever catches it, answers" type of thing? That does sound like fun. I'll send your Boot Camp in just a bit. Thanks for the comment!

      Delete
  4. Well well well! Look at you go lady! I wish I had the talent to do something like this! Super cool. Audrey told me about your blog today so I had to come check it out. I look forward to keeping up with you and your classroom.

    P.S. I can't wait to see the Boot Camp! My kiddos could use whatever I can give 'em!

    Hilary (hholmes@hatchschools.net)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hilary!! So happy to see you around these parts :-) Thanks for the kind words. I'll send your Boot Camp tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I use centers in my classroom, and in one center I have laminated (and simple outlined) coloring sheets. I have my students cover the coloring sheet with a blank sheet (computer paper) and trace the picture using not regular lines, but multiplication facts with a marker! They have a blast at this center and it helps them remember their facts too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very cute idea, Emily! I bet the kids love that, and it seems like a super simple, manageable center for the teacher, too!

    ReplyDelete