In the age of technology is it still important for students to know their basic math facts?

Calculators and apps seem like an easier alternative. But would we say that reading is no longer essential because technology now provides us with software that can read things for us? Of course not!

Just as in reading, knowing your basics helps to propel you. Higher order math becomes nearly impossible without knowing basic math facts. Having basic math fact fluency is the same as being a fluent reader. The more secure a child is with basic math facts the easier it is to tackle algebra and calculus down the road.

Being secure with basic math facts allows you to figure out sales tax on a bill, know what an item will cost when on sale, and be ready to negotiate that salary when applying for the dream job.

Ways to help your child learn basic math facts:

• Start out using a number grid when talking about math facts
• Make fact families (1+9=10, 5+5=10, 6+4=10, etc)
• Use manipulatives to help represent new information

Opinions vary if homework has positive effects on academic achievement. According to the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM: Homework-What the Research Says, Brief).

Kids and parents sure could use a break during the evening hours and teachers could probably use the break from checking it, right?

Homework helps students prepare. When students preview, review, or prepare by doing homework, they are ready for the next day’s lesson.

By reviewing and doing the math problems, your child becomes more comfortable with the materials presented in class. And if a child struggles on homework, the teacher will know if they need to re-teach or if they can move on. This is why homework should be a child’s work only – not done by parents! If they are struggling with a concept- that’s o.k., the teacher needs to know this.

By reading that history chapter for homework, they are previewing and preparing for tomorrow’s class discussion.

By bringing in that clipping from the newspaper about sale prices, they will be ready to participate in the class activity about economics.

What you can do to help no matter how old your child is:

• Check to see if your child has homework
• Ask to see it when it’s done
• Have your child “teach” you about something they learned in school

Just by asking about and looking over your child’s homework this reminds your child that you know homework is important and may help to motivate them to get it done.

Flashcards seem to be the go to tool of how to help your child in school before looking for a tutor. But did you know that most parents use flashcards the wrong way? Sometimes flashcards can do more harm than good.

Parents buy flashcards at the store or receive a deck from their child’s teacher to help their child with a particular skill set: sight words, basic math facts, letter recognition, vocabulary words, etc. Once the cards are in the parents’ hands the hope and excitement of helping their child builds. But wait! If your child doesn’t have the basics of the information, flashcards won’t work.

Flashcards are intended for review of information. The child needs to have some concepts of her basic math facts before she can start reviewing them, otherwise flashcards won’t work and will only cause frustration. If she does not have the concept of 12+5=17, then being asked to provide the correct answers in a limited amount of time will only bring stress and frustration to the both of you.

Flashcards work best when:

• Used no more than 5 minutes per session
• Used to review material not to introduce new concepts
• Used for flashcards games (Memory, Go Fish, or War)

Tell me your best or worst flashcard story.