Last week's memo explored how computational fluency is built upon three components, flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy. I also discussed how computational fluency is a process that goes through stages of developing understanding, using counting strategies, using mental strategies, and finally having automaticity with facts.
Teachers use a variety of modalities to help students become fluent with computation of facts. These include number talks, math games, Reflex and other computer based applications, as well as targeted flashcards. Number talks are classroom routines that allow for students to explore and use number relationships and structures of number to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Students are able to further explore and practice these ideas and strategies through math games. The computer program, Reflex, as well as other computer based applications are used to reinforce these skills. (Reflex is designed for use with grades 2 and up.) Students may also have a targeted group of flashcards that they are working on. The flashcards may focus on a common strategy that can be used to solve or may be a collection of a group of facts that the child has yet to master. Teachers craft fluency instruction using tools such as these to meet each students needs. These tools may be used whole class or in small groups.
In order for teachers to determine the fluency needs of their students, they use a variety of assessments. Because fact fluency is more complex than just how quickly a student can compute the correct answer, teachers use many instruments to gain information on all components of fluency. Information on a student's skill with fluency is collected throughout the school year using strategy checklists, interviews, anecdotal notes from observations, end of year benchmark assessments, reports from Reflex, as well as application in daily work.
Teachers use a variety of modalities to help students become fluent with computation of facts. These include number talks, math games, Reflex and other computer based applications, as well as targeted flashcards. Number talks are classroom routines that allow for students to explore and use number relationships and structures of number to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Students are able to further explore and practice these ideas and strategies through math games. The computer program, Reflex, as well as other computer based applications are used to reinforce these skills. (Reflex is designed for use with grades 2 and up.) Students may also have a targeted group of flashcards that they are working on. The flashcards may focus on a common strategy that can be used to solve or may be a collection of a group of facts that the child has yet to master. Teachers craft fluency instruction using tools such as these to meet each students needs. These tools may be used whole class or in small groups.
In order for teachers to determine the fluency needs of their students, they use a variety of assessments. Because fact fluency is more complex than just how quickly a student can compute the correct answer, teachers use many instruments to gain information on all components of fluency. Information on a student's skill with fluency is collected throughout the school year using strategy checklists, interviews, anecdotal notes from observations, end of year benchmark assessments, reports from Reflex, as well as application in daily work.
Left-A group of 2nd graders are playing the game, "Double It".
Middle-A 4th grade student prepares "flashcards" that reinforce the relationship of multiplication and division.
Right-Students are exploring connections between x2 and x4 facts during the activity, "How Many Legs?"
Middle-A 4th grade student prepares "flashcards" that reinforce the relationship of multiplication and division.
Right-Students are exploring connections between x2 and x4 facts during the activity, "How Many Legs?"