Helping kids with math this summer - #lakewoodnews

Teachers hope families will do a little math, reading and writing with their children this summer. When children master math facts they become so much faster at mental math and doing word problems. Daily summer practice for 10 minutes will help children the rest of the year.

Try these math fact tricks. Start by adding one and two to numbers one through 10. They are simply counting the next two numbers.

Next help children to memorize doubles. Make up a song or say them to a beat together on the way to soccer or running errands 1+1 = 2, 2+2 =4, 3+3=6, 6=6=12.

Why are these so important? Some of the most troublesome addition math facts are one up or one down from a double: 3+2 or 3+4 plague children. However, if they have memorized 3+3, they can reach the troublesome 3+2 using a strategy by quickly subtracting one from the double. They can reach that other culprit 3+4 by saying 3+3=6 and adding one in their head.

Teach strategies

Help children have strategies to solve math fact troubles. It cuts down the time they spend on math homework, allows them to spend more time on practical and challenging word problems and gives them math confidence.

Use addition to learn subtraction. To learn subtraction facts like 10-6, start with 6 and count 4 fingers to get to 10. Fingers and pennies are good for checking and practice.

Practice no more than five new math facts at time. Keep the facts few and the time short.

Practice should be cumulative. When practicing new facts, mix in a few old facts to boost confidence and aid overlearning.

Children should say the entire math fact out loud. 10-6=4. Children will remember the whole verbal chain. Practice the chain in a silly, deep football player, princess or squeaky voice.

Use math fact cards, make a pile of known facts and watch it grow.

Celebrate progress

Celebrate little successes. Do something special. Keep a practice chart with rewards.

Make learning fun. Practice with dice. Add numbers on the dice, then roll one again and subtract it. Every correct answer can be worth a penny or more.

Use electronics for practice and motivation. There are many applications and games for devices on-line. Search for "math fact practice" and "multiplication table tricks".

Give children practice taking math fact tests that look like school tests. Start with 10 problem tests and work up to 50. Then children will not be so nervous during the real thing.

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