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Use a Math Facts Mastery Chart to See Progress

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Mathematics Elementary School Strategy

Skills

Working Memory Verbal Memory Visual Memory

Use a Math Facts Mastery Chart to See Progress

If your student still needs to master math facts and is motivated by seeing progress or other small incentives

Teach It!

  1. Objective: Students will see their progress and stay motivated to continue to practice by using a math facts mastery chart.
  2. Teacher Takeaways: Try a visual incentive to increase motivation for students having difficulty memorizing math facts. For multiplication, make a grid that looks like a blank multiplication chart with the numbers 1-12 across the top and 1-12 on the left vertical. Place the chart in a visible place such as on a notebook or refrigerator at home. Once a student has full mastery of the fact, fill in that square on the grid. For example, when a student knows 2x5=10, write the number 10 in both the 5x2 square and the 2x5 square. Create similar charts for addition, subtraction and division.
  3. Considerations: Providing extrinsic motivations can sometimes be good for younger students. Consider giving a sticker when a fact is mastered, or a prize pick after a row is completed. Remember to reinforce mastered facts. Sometimes a student masters a fact but will forget without ongoing reinforcement.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Learning math facts can feel tedious but automaticity is essential for long-term math success. Some students need added incentive or motivation to master their facts, and a visual reminder can help. However, adults should recognize which children might have a negative reaction to this approach, such as students who are first learning and might feel overwhelmed, or those who might feel anxious seeing too many blank spaces on the grid. However, it is essential that all students develop automaticity with math facts for math proficiency.