Math Facts

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Each summer we take a look at what we really liked about our classroom structure from the school year and start discussing changes that need to be made for the next school year. After implementing the Daily 5 structure into our reading schedule for the past few years, we felt that this was the year to implement a similar structure into our math block. (Thank you TwoSisters!) Looking back, we really loved how self-sufficient our kiddos were and how we were able to meet with small math groups each day. With that being said, one of the things we found most frustrating at the end of the year was the fact that many of our students still struggled with basic addition and subtraction math facts. While we believe that kids should have a variety of resources to use when solving math equations, we also feel that at the end of second grade they should no longer be using fingers to figure out 3 + 2. This year we are making our math block longer (about 1 hour and 15 mintues) and incoporating an extra round.  This extra round will be devoted strictly to math fact practice. Since we have about 5-7 students in each math group we need various activities so that each student is actively engaged for the duration of the round. There are so many free websites that let kids practice math facts, yet we only have 4 student computers in our classrooms- so we had to get creative. We decided to make a 'Fact Practice' game. This game will be used daily to help our kiddos master those tricky addition and subtraction facts through 20. It can easily be played individually or with a partner. All you will need to provide is a deck of cards (Hello, Dollar Store!) and some game pieces such as colored chips. That's it. The directions are simple and, if they finish a game before the round is over, it can easily be started all over! Since math facts are SO important in EVERY grade level, download it for *FREE* from our TpT Store! If you check it out, please let us know what you think! 

Lastly, we want to thank those of you who checked out our Pirate Themed 'Back-to-School Pack'. We received some wonderful feedback and we hope that you find many uses for it at the beginning of the school year. The pack is no longer listed for free, however you can grab it for only $2.50! Since we are each doing different themes this year, the Safari Themed 'Back-to-School Pack will be available in our TpT Store in just a few short days! It has all of the same components as the Pirate Themed Pack, yet is made to be used in a Safari/Jungle Themed classroom. Don't have a classroom theme? Not to worry, use the one you think your kiddos would like best. Be sure to come back later this week for a giveaway and a freebie!