Ways to Practice Math Facts at Home
1. Computer Games
Computer games are engaging and motivating ways to learn and maintain addition, subtraction,
multiplication & division facts. Students get immediate feedback and have fun while practicing.
Websites for fact practice are listed on our school webpage: http://www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/Page/3900.
2. Card and Dice Games
Adding an element of chance to fact practice by rolling 2 or more dice and then adding, subtracting, or
multiplying is often more exciting than flash cards or worksheets. Many traditional card games such as
Cribbage, Scope, and Casino also involve addition practice. Many versions of games can be found
through internet or Pinterest searches.
3. Listen to Facts Songs
Songs are catchy. No matter what your favorite style of music there are commercial recordings
available to help you memorize your facts. Buy a Rap or Rock CD or download songs and listen on the
drive to and from school or activities. It is amazing how quickly those facts stick in your head!
4. Math Puzzles
Puzzles are fun and challenging. Puzzles such as Kakuro and Cross Numbers (like crosswords) can also
help you to learn your facts. You can find these puzzles through an internet search or buy a book of
them at a local bookstore.
5. Flash Cards and Timed Drills
The most productive way to study flash cards or to complete timed fact drills is to narrow down the
number of facts being practiced at one time and to practice facts that the children understand. When
children can explain the number relationship behind a fact (this is a “one more than” fact, this is a
“doubles minus one” fact, this is a “turn around” fact, etc.) they are more likely to memorize it and
recall it fluently. Another tip for timed drills- have the child time how long it takes and then try to
improve their own time rather than beat the clock and do “100 facts in 3 minutes”.
For more guidelines on what facts are learned and maintained at each grade level see the Year at a
Glance Document for your grade level, found here: http://www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/Page/10778
Mrs. Jessica H. Glover
K-4 Supervisor of Mathematics & Science
Montgomery Township Schools
[email protected]
OHES: 609-466-7605 x1373
VES: 609-466-7606 x2260