Math Facts Fun: Hands-On Learning Stations

Math facts are the foundation for all upper math. It's really challenging to get very far if you're always using your fingers to find sums and products. It's challenging to find time to really practice these in a way that not only develops familiarity, but mastery.

I'm focusing on Math this week in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning Stations series, and today is all about having fun with math facts.

Math Facts Flash Cards

Addition Facts

Addition is the foundation for all math concepts. Starting off strong with mastery of addition will provide a solid base to build up on in upper math. I've created some simple printable addition flash cards that work great on a key ring. They're just like my multiplication flash cards, but with addition facts. When you print, print landscape front and back flipped on the short side (if that sounds crazy to you, just tell your printer, and they'll know what to do).

Multiplication Facts

Multiplication tables require lots of review many different ways to ensure mastery. Each child is different, so finding out what builds their confidence in order to master the material is essential. Flashcards are a great tool to continue to use even if it's not their favorite. Here are my free printable multiplication flash cards.

Math Facts Manipulatives

Wrap Ups

Wrap ups are a fun way to build mastery. You wrap the string around the back and connect the factor to the product. When you've finished wrapping it up, you flip it over to check if your string pattern is correct.

They have these for multiplication, addition, subtraction, division, and so much more.

Times Tales

We've just started watching the Times Tales DVDs for an alternative approach to memorizing the times tables.

In these videos, students are introduced to characters that represent the numbers 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Then students are introduced through stories that incorporate some of the trickiest multiplication facts.

For example: The sixth grade class played musical chairs for 24 hours. The sixth grade class represents the number 6, chairs represent the number 4, so 6 x 4 = 24.

It's really fascinating! I'm hoping that it helps give my less confident math students another way to obtain this important memory work!

I also love reviewing math facts with games, but I'll talk about that tomorrow! I have a family favorite that you'll want to hear about!

What are some of your favorite tricks for practicing math facts?

Check out more hands-on learning stations inspiration in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning series! Here are some more math inspired ideas:

• Fun with Shapes
• Fun with Math Games
• Fractions
• Playing with Patterns