Q: Help! What can I do to help my child memorize math facts? We're way behind.
A: The keys to memorization are repetition of small bits of information at a time, and variety in presentation. Here are some tips and techniques to try:
1. Work on math facts by families. Sometimes seeing a relationship between numbers makes it all come together.
Example: 3+4=7, 4+3=7, 7-3=4, 7-4=3
2. Find a good CD with the facts set to music. It might be a little corny (especially for older kids), and they might think it's uncool, but it often works! There are some newer versions, including rap, that might go over better with your kids. Play the CD every time you're in the car.
3. Practice skip counting by 2's through 12's (introduce just one number to count by at a time). Make and post a long number strip to use initially; encourage your child to find patterns. After a week of daily practice, cover every other number. Finally, require your student to recite and/or write the numbers without help. Do 10's, then 5's, then 2's; proceed to 11's, 3's, 4's, 6's, 7's, 9's and 12's.
4. Using flash cards and timed drills are oldies but goodies. The key for the student who's behind is to use just a few at a time, and build upon what he learns. Going through a whole stack of flash cards he doesn't know, or putting a whole page of math facts in front of him that he doesn't know and setting a timer will only lead to stress and frustration for both of you.
5. Use games to manipulate numbers. Here are some simple ones to try: roll two dice. Add, subtract, multiply or divide the two numbers rolled. OR... Play a regular game of dominoes. When the game is over, ask your child to add, subtract, multiply or divide the number of dots on each domino as he picks them up to put them away. There are also lots of computer games out there; if he enjoys them, let him use them!
6. Allow him to use a calculator to check his work, but not to do his work initially.
7. If he's really behind, take a break from the curriculum once per week, or for a pre-determined period of time, and devote an entire math period to facts practice.
8. Post a "fact of the day" or "fact of the week." Make it fun. Ask your student to solve the problem, and then use the answer to determine the number of blocks to build a tower, the number of M&M's he gets to eat, or the number of push-ups he does for P.E., etc.
Again, repetition is key. If you use the same problem every day for a week, he'll remember the answer because of the activities he associates with it.
Keep at it, and you'll see progress. Math was a challenging subject for me, and I didn't memorize the multiplication table until I was through the sixth grade. I did, however, with the help of a great teacher, get an "A" in my first college level math class! Now I even enjoy teaching math, and find that I can usually help the troubled student because I've been there myself.
So, there is hope even for those of us who take a little longer. Hang in there! Don't allow the frustration you feel to stress everyone out; keep it positive, and focus on the effort and the successes.
Happy Home Schooling,
Mrs. Sherry
