1. Strategies to Help Students Learn Math Facts

2. Strategy 1 Establish Math Fact Time Set aside math fact time. Review facts 10 minutes before dinner or 10 minutes before school. By separating math fact time from homework time, many students experience less anxiety.

3. Strategy 2 Use the Internet If you are unsure of how to help, look to the internet for practice worksheets, quizzes or games. Some activities can be printed out while others allow the student to work on the computer directly.

4. Strategy 3 Set Goals It’s helpful to establish clear goals for memorizing math facts. Breaking the work down into reasonable segments and setting goals for the completion of each section allows the student to have a clear, yet obtainable, of his or her expectations.

5. Strategy 4 Create Flash Cards Flash cards are a time-tested strategy. Flash cards can be used throughout the day with students. Flash cards made out of something compact such as index cards, the student can carry them and practice throughout the day.

6. Strategy 5 Use the Kitchen Timer If the time a child spends memorizing math facts seems insufferable, set a timer to allow the student to work in smaller increments of time. By setting finite periods of time to study, students might be more focused and concentrate better.

7. Strategy 6 Talk it Out It is important to verbally engage a student who is attempting to memorize math facts. This time should be interactive and the adult should always be supportive and encouraging.

8. Strategy 7 Know your learning style If a student is kinesthetic, visual or auditory gear learning practice to the style. If unsure of a learning style, free online inventories are available.

9. Strategy 8 Exploit Dead Time Take advantage of any down time. If there is time waiting for lunch or an assembly using this time in lieu of wasting it can be extremely beneficial. (Parents can use car rides for this same purpose.)

10. Strategy 9 Review, Review, Review Math facts take time and repetition to memorize. Don’t get discouraged if results do not come immediately. It is essential to come back to the mastered information and review it. Reviewing material with which a student is comfortable can also serve as a great confidence builder.

11. Strategy 10 Provide Rewards Whether the child reaches a set goal or is just working hard until the end of a scheduled time, provide a reward for a job well done. Celebrating success with rewards will encourage the child and foster a sense of pride. Rewards do not need to be large. The key is to be sure and associate the reward with the his or her work.