Building Fluency in the K-2 Classroom Jennifer Rives

Define fluency…..

Solve the following problems mentally. As you come up with the answer, be aware of the strategy that you used to determine the answer. Most likely, your brain will make adjustments on these numbers very quickly, and you will use an informal strategy to find the result. Of course, some of you will know these by rote memorization as well.

8 + 7 = ?

5 + 8 = ?

9 + 7 = ?

= ?

= ?

Computational Fluency vs. Memorization Students should be computing fluently with whole numbers. Computational fluency refers to having efficient and accurate methods for computing. Students exhibit computational fluency when they demonstrate flexibility in the computational methods they choose, understand and can explain these methods, and produce accurate answers efficiently. The computational methods that a student uses should be based on mathematical ideas that the student understands well. Fluency with whole-number computation depends, in large part, on fluency with basic number combinations — the single-digit addition and multiplication pairs and their counterparts for subtraction and division. Fluency with the basic number combinations develops from well-understood meanings for the four operations and from a focus on thinking strategies (Thornton 1990; Isaacs and Carroll 1999). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000

CCSS Fluency Chart

Using the Rekenrek to build Fluency

What is a rekenrek? The Rekenrek is a simple, but powerful, manipulative to help young children develop mathematical understanding. The rekenrek combines key features of other manipulative models like counters, the number line, and base-10 models. It is comprised of two strings of 10 beads each, strategically broken into groups of five. The rekenrek therefore encourages students to think in groups of 5 and 10. The structure of the rekenrek offers visual pictures for young learners, encouraging them to “see” numbers within other numbers… to see groups of 5 and 10.

With the rekenrek, young learners learn quickly to “see” the number 7 in two distinct parts: One group of 5, and 2 more. Similarly, 13 is seen as one group of 10 (5 red and 5 white), and three more. A group of 10 3 more

A completed Rekenrek

Activities you can with the Rekenrek: Flash Make A Number, Make 10 Build a Number Doubles And…..

Roll 3 for 20 or Bust!! Skills: Develop and demonstrate computational fluency strategies for addition facts to 20 Adding three 1-digit numbers Use 5’s and 10’s as anchors to solve addition facts to 20.

Instructions for Roll Three for 20 or Bust! The object of this game is to obtain a sum close to or equal to 20 without going over. Roll the three dice to determine the first three numbers to add. Tell students to use their rekenreks to share their strategy for calculating the sum of the three numbers rolled. Students must then decide to stay put or roll 1, 2, or 3 dice to add more to the sum they have so far to come close or equal to 20 without going over.

Ten Grid Cards Lets take a look at the ten grid cards. Lets Practice our Doubles Facts! Doubles Go Fish Groups of 3…let me explain why…..

Basic Fact Fluency Let’s look at back of Agenda/Activity Mat…. What do these two items help to do in your classroom? What kinds of ways can we practice basic facts?

Fact Cards *from Take a look at the fact cards in the pocket folders…. To practice you need a “study partner” Here is how it works…

Computation within 20 Rekenrek Rekenrek Number Line

Time to Stretch! Solve: = Share strategies for solving

How do we practice these larger computation problems?? The Number Line!

What other ways can we practice fluency? GAMES!!!! Monster Muncher Others at your table…take a look!

Sharing NEW items and other stuff I love! Number Line from Ed. Outlet Hundreds Pocket Chart And more!

Now What??? What will you take from this session back to try in your classroom/school?

Where are the handouts? The wikispace page is listed on your agenda/placemat AND on the rekenrek. By Friday morning resources will be posted and/or links to the resources will be listed