It is extremely helpful for your child to memorize basic math facts. When your child knows facts automatically, he/she can apply that knowledge to problem solving and other higher level skills. Memorizing facts can often prove to be very frustrating for both the child and the parent, so I have suggested a procedure for flashcard practice below. I recommend that flashcard practice become a part of your child's daily homework routine--less than five minutes a day can make a big difference!
1. Choose one operation to focus on at a time. (Don't try to memorize multiplication and addition at the same time.)
2. Go through the set of flashcards with your child. Separate the cards into two piles--the ones your child knows automatically (no finger counting) and the ones that are unknown or need finger counting.
3. Each night, practice only the ones your child knows automatically. Add in just 2 unknown facts. Do not add any other facts until your child can do those facts automatically. That may take a day or a week. If you add too many cards at once or if you try to learn all of the facts at the same time, both you and your child will become frustrated.
In addition to flashcard practice, it is important to reinforce other concepts introduced in class such as time, money, and calendar skills.
1. Choose one operation to focus on at a time. (Don't try to memorize multiplication and addition at the same time.)
2. Go through the set of flashcards with your child. Separate the cards into two piles--the ones your child knows automatically (no finger counting) and the ones that are unknown or need finger counting.
3. Each night, practice only the ones your child knows automatically. Add in just 2 unknown facts. Do not add any other facts until your child can do those facts automatically. That may take a day or a week. If you add too many cards at once or if you try to learn all of the facts at the same time, both you and your child will become frustrated.
In addition to flashcard practice, it is important to reinforce other concepts introduced in class such as time, money, and calendar skills.