Memorizing Basic Addition/Subtraction Facts

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Rachelle Austin

Subject Area: Math/Number Sense- Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Estimate, Algebra

Grade Range: Lower Elementary (K-3)

Materials Needed: Manipulatives, flashcards, flashcards to take home, ziploc bags, letter to be sent home, laminated-magnetic football, bell, basic fact games, addition and subtraction bingo, worksheets

Objective: Students work to memorize facts and check this memorization with timed tests.

Instructional Strategy: Prior Knowledge & Connections

Process Standards:

  • Goal 3.2 develop and apply strategies based on ways others have prevented or solved problems
  • Goal 3.3 develop and apply strategies based on one’s own experience in preventing or solving problems
  • Goal 4.6 identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks

Content Standards:

  • Mathematics 1. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; other number sense, including numeration and esti...

    G.L.E.:

    Time Allowance: varies

    Description: Students memorize math facts and check with timed tests -- worksheets, math manipulatives, parent letter

    Classroom Component:

    For the first semester of school, work on understanding of basic facts using math strategies and manipulatives to solve problems. Use a variety of games to memorize facts, such as "football", "ring that bell", "around the world", etc.

    In "football", you have basic yard lines drawn on the board and a magnetic football which starts on the fifty yard line. The class is split into two teams. One child from each team competes with a flash card and whichever one wins gets to move the football one line towards their goal. The ball can move back and forth until a touchdown is scored.

    In "ring that bell", two children stand with a bell in between them and hands on the table. Whichever one rings the bell first and then answers the problem correctly wins.

    During the second semester, begin timed tests (click here to see Handout 3) putting a sticker on a chart (click here to see Handout 2) each time a test is passed. Some type of individual incentives or class party can be worked for using the sticker chart.

    When this begins, send a letter home to parents (click here to see Handout 1) explaining the tests and the incentives. Stress the importance of practice at home and show a sample of the form that will come home each time a test is passed, along with cards for practice of the next test.


    Handout 1

    Date

    Dear Parents,

    This year, one of the math concepts we have been working on is learning all of our basic addition/subtraction facts to 18. We are going to work hard to memorize these facts before moving on to 3rd grade. This will make learning multiplication and division much easier. To check our memorization of these facts, we will soon begin taking timed tests.

    Your child could really use your help at home. Each time your child is ready to take a new test, he/she will bring home a form (see sample on bottom) telling which set of facts to practice and a set of flash cards. Soon after, the test will be taken and if your child passes, a sticker can be placed on a chart (handout 2). If not, continued practice may be necessary and then the test will be taken again.

    As an incentive, children will earn the following rewards:

    1. Each time a child passes a test they may choose from my goody box.
    2. If a child passes all of their tests, they will earn a special lunch with the teacher and a friend. If you are able to come to school for your child's lunchtime, your child may want you to be their special friend and you could even bring in a lunch if you wish.
    3. If every student in the class passes 80% or better of their tests, we will have a class party.
    4. There will be an award given at the awards assembly to each student who passes every test.

    Of course, we will continue working on other math concepts as we memorize our facts. Some of these include geometry, fractions, money, problem solving, and 2 and 3 digit addition and subtraction.

    I think children will be motivated to practice. Please be patient with your child if this is difficult for him/her and try to make a game out of it. Thanks so much for the support and time you give to your child's education.

    Sincerely,

    Teacher's Name

    Sample form:
    Dear Parents,
    Your child recently passed addition/subtraction with ______. Please practice at home for the next test of addition/subtraction with ______. Out of 23 tests, your child has ____ left to pass. Thanks for your help!
    Teacher's Name



    Handout 2 - (example) this chart can be blown up into a larger chart if desired

    I KNOW MY ADDITION AND
    SUBTRACTION FACTS
    scoring instructions

    Names    2
      3         		  2
      2         		  2
      1         		  2
      0         		  1
      9         		  1
      8         		  1
      7         		  1
      6         		  1
      5         		  1
      4         		  1
      3         		  1
      2         		  1
      1         		  1
      0         		  9
         		  8
         		  7
         		  6
         		  5
         		  4
         		  3
         		  2
         		  1
     





























































































    For additional information contact :
    Rachelle Austin
    Southern Boone K-2 Elem.
    Southern Boone Co. R-I
    (573) 657-2148
    EMAIL:     raustin@mail.ashland.k12.mo.us

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