Weekly Multiplication and Division Practice
Third Grade Math Fluency Standards:
At Tualatin Elementary, all of our mathematics instruction is based upon the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The math CCSS 3.OA.C.7 states that all third grade students should be able to fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division or properties of operations. In addition, the Tigard-Tualatin School District Math Fluency Benchmarks (see attached chart) states that by the end of third grade, students should be able to solve 21 or more multiplication facts per minute to be considered at grade level.
Instruction:
To help our students meet this goal we began teaching multiplication and division the third week of September. We will be introducing facts in the following order: 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, 3s, 4s, 0s & 1s, 6s, 8s, and 7s. As we introduce each set of facts, we will be sending home a set of flashcards for practice at home. Please collect all of the flashcard sets at home and continue to cycle through them to help with fact retention.
Practice:
Once students understand the concept of multiplication and division, we will use a variety of strategies to build fact fluency in the classroom. Students will work both independently and with partners to practice math facts several times weekly. We will use a variety of strategies including chants, flip books, flash card practice, sprints (timed practice tests), and digital learning activities.
Homework:
In addition to practicing math facts in the classroom, fact practice will now be part of the nightly homework program. Starting this week, our nightly homework expectations will include 10 minutes of multiplication or division practice each night. Students can practice facts at home by playing a game, using the flashcards we send home, using online math facts websites linked to your teacher’s website, being quizzed by a family member, or using other resources from home.
Fact Introduction & Assessment Schedule:
A paper and pencil assessment of multiplication and division facts for each of the factors will be given on Friday, two weeks after the facts were introduced (see attached sample). To show basic mastery of facts, students are expected to know all 20 facts for a given factor (10 multiplication and 10 division) in 2 minutes. To pass a test students need to score 100%. If students do not pass a test on their first try, they can request a retest as early as the following day. Below is the order in which the flashcards are sent home and then tested.
Multiplication and Division Facts Introduction Order: 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, 3s, 4s, 0/1s, 6s, 8s then 7s
Celebrating Success:
At several points in the fall, including at conferences, I will keep you informed of how your child is progressing through the math fact levels tests. After all the levels have been passed, we will continue to work on increased fact fluency, aiming for the 3 seconds per fact benchmark. In the spring we will have a celebration for all of the students who have mastered their multiplication and division facts.
At Tualatin Elementary, all of our mathematics instruction is based upon the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The math CCSS 3.OA.C.7 states that all third grade students should be able to fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division or properties of operations. In addition, the Tigard-Tualatin School District Math Fluency Benchmarks (see attached chart) states that by the end of third grade, students should be able to solve 21 or more multiplication facts per minute to be considered at grade level.
Instruction:
To help our students meet this goal we began teaching multiplication and division the third week of September. We will be introducing facts in the following order: 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, 3s, 4s, 0s & 1s, 6s, 8s, and 7s. As we introduce each set of facts, we will be sending home a set of flashcards for practice at home. Please collect all of the flashcard sets at home and continue to cycle through them to help with fact retention.
Practice:
Once students understand the concept of multiplication and division, we will use a variety of strategies to build fact fluency in the classroom. Students will work both independently and with partners to practice math facts several times weekly. We will use a variety of strategies including chants, flip books, flash card practice, sprints (timed practice tests), and digital learning activities.
Homework:
In addition to practicing math facts in the classroom, fact practice will now be part of the nightly homework program. Starting this week, our nightly homework expectations will include 10 minutes of multiplication or division practice each night. Students can practice facts at home by playing a game, using the flashcards we send home, using online math facts websites linked to your teacher’s website, being quizzed by a family member, or using other resources from home.
Fact Introduction & Assessment Schedule:
A paper and pencil assessment of multiplication and division facts for each of the factors will be given on Friday, two weeks after the facts were introduced (see attached sample). To show basic mastery of facts, students are expected to know all 20 facts for a given factor (10 multiplication and 10 division) in 2 minutes. To pass a test students need to score 100%. If students do not pass a test on their first try, they can request a retest as early as the following day. Below is the order in which the flashcards are sent home and then tested.
Multiplication and Division Facts Introduction Order: 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, 3s, 4s, 0/1s, 6s, 8s then 7s
Celebrating Success:
At several points in the fall, including at conferences, I will keep you informed of how your child is progressing through the math fact levels tests. After all the levels have been passed, we will continue to work on increased fact fluency, aiming for the 3 seconds per fact benchmark. In the spring we will have a celebration for all of the students who have mastered their multiplication and division facts.