THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING BASIC MATH FACTS AND SIMPLE METHODS FOR ACCOMPLISHING THIS   At a recent conference on teaching math to students a keynote speaker stated that most high school teachers are still complaining about how their students do not know their basic math facts. This is something that needs to be mastered in elementary school. It is VERY important as it gives students the tools they need to be successful in mathematics. There is no shortcut to learning the basic facts. There are strategies, songs, games, and many ideas on how to best teach the basic facts, but the real key is found in repetition and memorization. In class I will be using many of the strategies mentioned above in my math lessons. At home you can help in a simple and practical way.   Start with basic addition flash cards. Go through all of the facts with your child. Any that he/she knows quickly put in a baggy marked “I know” and any that he/she hesitates on place in another baggy marked “I don’t know” facts. Have your child choose two of the “I don’t know” facts and say them to you while looking at the card about 5 times each.  Mix the two cards up and hold them up for them again to see if they can get them. Place them back into the “I don’t know” baggy.  Repeat this process daily until all of the facts are known with no hesitation at all. Once all cards have moved into the “I know”  baggy give them a math timed test (these can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, etc) and have them work on mixed facts on paper until they become fluent in math. Make a reward that you can both be excited about when the facts are truly mastered! In class we allow 7 minutes for our addition timed tests.   Once the addition facts are known then begin the same process with subtraction, followed by multiplication and finally by the division facts. What will you have accomplished when your student has mastered all of the facts? You will have given them the gift of self-confidence and will have built up their self-esteem in math! What a valuable gift this truly is!!!! This can be done daily in just a few minutes or you can do it 3-5 times a week. It is a small investment of time for the incredible benefit it will be for your child in every year of school and throughout life.  Go team! You can all do it!                                           Mrs. Arnold