Muliplication Facts Plan

Tackling the seemingly, huge task of mastering multiplication facts is a worthy, yet difficult, task. One plan for learning these facts is to begin with 2's, 10's, and 5's. Then, study hard to master 3's, 4's, and 9's. The hardest facts, for sure, are the 6's, 7's, and 8's. So, first recognize that by learning the rest of the facts, most of the 6's, 7's, and 8's have been learned. There are only 6 new facts that remain to be learned and seem to be the most difficult: 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 7x7, 7x8, 8x8. Having a plan seems to help most people. Please pick some plan of attack and encourage your child to be persistant in this task of learning to quickly recall these facts. You may find it helpful to view this information in a video called "How can I learn my times tables?" found at http://www.mathplayground.com/index.html.

Persistance in Homework

Please be reminded that all students have a standing homework assignment each night, Monday through Thursday. Each student is to spend at least 10 minutes on individualized Accelerated Mathematics assignments, if available. If for some reason a student does not have a current AMath assignment, s/he is to spend that time working on quick recall of basic math facts. Both Accelerated Mathematics progress and Math Facts In a Flash progress make up a portion of the 9-week's grade.

During the first 9-weeks, I devoted much more classroom time to AMath than what I will this second 9-weeks. I was trying to develop the work habits necessary for success with AMath. However, it is my intension that this program provide outside-of-class practice on grade-level skills. This program also provides a unique opportunity for your child to "accelerate" ahead. Please encourage your youngster to stay devoted to this program. I suggest using the same time each night to set aside for this daily homework. You might try starting the assignment at the beginning of the news and working until the weather comes on. Anything that provides the structure that will help your child be persistant in this task will work.

Learning Update

The Number Properties and Operations mathematics content strand is our current focus. In class, students are learning (or reviewing):

• The Real Number System (Ask your your child to sketch the Venn Diagram for this system.)
• Number Forms (The manner in which a number is presented, e.g. fraction or decimal, etc.)
• Even/Odd, Prime/Composite, Factorizations, LCM/GCF
• Modeling, Ordering, and Operating on fractions, decimals, and percents

Students should devote a minimum of 10 minutes per night, Monday-Thursday, to math. Primarily, students are asked to work on Accelerated Math assignments. Students who do not have an Accelerated Mathematics assignment can work on quick recall of basic math facts. Other options are the web-based programs available through my blog (PrimeTime Investigation 1) and the school website (Study Island and Math Whizz(6th-grade only)).

A New Beginning

I'm excited about getting started on our mathematics learning journey this year. Each student and his/her family bring a fresh perspective to our learning environment. We will all share and learn together and, hopefully, have lots of fun along the way. At anytime you have questions about anything, please let me know. If you have a question/comment, it is likely someone else has the same one, as well. Please feel welcomed to blog, allowing everyone to receive the same information. Or, if you have a specific question about your child, please communicate with me via email, phone, or written note. Look for Cunningham under the "Faculty" button on the school website: http://www.chandlers.logan.k12.ky.us/. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.