For students in the upper grades trying to learn higher-level math skills, I use math facts reference sheets. This way they are concentrating on the steps/procedure they have to follow to do long division, versus concentrating on counting out their facts. There is one reference sheet for each math operation and the facts are listed in order and horizontally for each number family. Once the child completes each sheet(and it's checked), it can be laminated and used as a quick reference. This way, the child has done the work.
I also feel it's important to go over assigned calculation problems with the students. They become more invested in their work if they know someone will actually be looking at it. It allows the teacher to readily see where any errors occur. I also have them mark their own papers, making fractions out of # of problems & # correct - with a total tally at the end of the week. They don't always like to mark themselves incorrect, but they are certainly aware of how they are doing and seem motivated to improve.
Gail
3 comments:
Much more nicely put than what I posted...I think the way you use reference sheets is great. I could not have gone into as much detail..it's nice to actually learn from teachers what a reference sheet really looks like!
I like that you make sure that you write the sample problems both vertically and horizontally on the reference sheets. Often we forget that some students don't "see" these as the same type of problems because they written differently. Good Reminder!!!
Gail, I love the idea of having the students create their own reference sheet. By doing this, the students are able to practice their facts and they can be proud of the work that they've done. Great idea!
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