Build Fact Fluency - Eureka Math Must-Haves!

Eureka Math is a fully loaded program that has so many materials there for you. 

What makes it great is that there are so many different resources to choose from for support. 

One of my favorite resources is the Practice Book for sprints. 

​If your district did not purchase this book, all of the sprints for each lesson can be printed on engageny.org.

What is a Sprint?
 
The Practice Book provides a list of facts labeled A and the next one labeled B.  When students work on side A, set a timer so they can see how many facts they can complete within that time from. I usually say, “Circle the number of the fact you stopped on, and this is the number to beat on the next try.” 
 
We then move onto section B.  I reset the timer and students start again. They get so motivated to race the clock and beat their previous score.  I love the fact that it promotes them to compete with themselves rather than other students.
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Why Fluency?
 
To keep the students moving up in those fluency sprints, they have to keep working to master the math facts.  In so many ways, students are taught strategies for quick computation.  They are using tens as a benchmark, then adding or subtracting one.  They could also be using a doubles strategy and adding or subtracting.  We want students to build fact fluency to promote mental math computations.
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Fact Fluency Fun!
 
Students learn best when they are also having fun.  Remember to keep your activities motivating and engaging.  Here are some must-have items that can help you build some fun fluency activities!  Think outside the box when you are filling out your classroom supply order.  Be creative and think of ways classroom items can be used in a new way to promote fact fluency.

• Number Tiles: Students can work in pairs and randomly draw out two tiles.  Then they say the sum of the two numbers or the difference.  Students then use a tracking sheet to write down the facts and the sums.  You can also use this strategy for subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Beach Ball: Write facts all over a beach ball.  Have students toss the ball either back and forth in a pair or around a circle. Students say the answer to the fact where the right thumb lands.
• Legos: Label double Legos with facts and write the answers on a single Lego.  Students find the answer to the fact they pick and attach that Lego to the top.
• Dice:  Students can toss the dice twice to get numbers to create a fact. Then they can use a tracking sheet to write as many facts as they can.
• Dominos: Students love to use dominos to practice math facts.  Students can draw out a domino and say the answer to the fact of the amount of dots on each side of the domino.
• Puzzle Pieces: On the flip side of a puzzle, you can write facts and have the piece that fits into that piece have the answer to the fact.  Students can challenge themselves to find pieces that fit together matching up the facts with the sums or differences.
  
  

Classroom Management Tips

It is great to create centers or time for students to break up into groups to play games, however it can be tricky to get started to have your whole class knowing what to do and when.
 
First, practice each activity you would like students to know how to do as a whole class one at a time.  Provide constructive feedback and positive reinforcement when you see pairs of students on task the whole time.  Provide opportunities for students to ask you as many questions and try situations again during this period of time.
 

Be sure the class is exposed to plenty of role playing of what you would like the students to be during this time.  Create charts that may say, “What does it look like? What does it sound like? What do I do if…..?”  Show students what your expectations are and practice them completely!
 
Once you feel like students are able to work independently at each activity and understand your classroom expectations, then you can begin dividing students into different groups.
 
Be consistent with your expectations even after you feel like the students are doing great.  They will continue to need your support.  Be a fan and provide a great deal of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated. 

Keep students motivated about the progress they are making with learning the facts fluency.  Sticker charts and rewards for new benchmarks are very motivating!

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I am Stephanie and I have been teaching grades 1-3 for a number of years. I love using Eureka Math to guide my instruction.  I have found this program helpful in making me a more effective math teacher for my students. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my family. 
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