The next unit of study for our math group will be multiplication of larger numbers. In order for the students to get the most out of this unit, they must have their multiplication facts down pat.

To help motivate the students to get a firm grasp on their facts, we will begin doing Fast and Speedy Math Facts - timed tests of their multiplication facts. The goal is for them to have automatic recall of their multiplication facts through the 9s.

So, on Monday we will have a short timed test of facts that include 1s, 2s, and 3s. Then the next Monday we’ll add in 4s, the next week 5s, and so on until we get through the 9s.

Anything the students can do at home to practice would be a great help. Good old-fashioned flash cards are always a great idea, or they can go high tech and use software or websites to practice. A couple of ideas for high tech practice are:

APlusMath.com - http://www.aplusmath.com/flashcards/multiplication.html
Web-based multiplication flash cards

TimezAttack - http://www.bigbrainz.com
Downloadable video game software, Base version (with facts 2s through 12s) is free