What About Basic Facts?

Although many areas of mathematics are explored in the Montgomery County curriculum, mastery of basic facts continues to be a fundamental skill that all students must learn.  Rather that having students do rote drill and practice exercises, however, teachers are approaching the facts through strategies that help make them easier to learn.  Students are introduced to facts in a sequence that builds conceptually rather than arbitrarily memorizing sums and products.  Subtraction facts are taught hand in hand with addition facts as students use related facts, such as 6 + 8 = 14, to determine that 14 - 6 = 8.  Likewise, multiplication and division facts are explored together.

One of the most valuable ways parents can help with mathematics at home is to spend time helping their child learn the basic facts.  Teachers have a limited amount of class time to work on the facts.  Following up at home makes a vast difference in your child's performance at school.  The strategies described below are very helpful to use when introducing facts.  They will also be used by your child's teacher.  Focus on one strategy or group of facts at a time and allow sufficient practice and review before moving on to the next group of facts.  Your child's confidence will grow if he or she is allowed to feel successful at each step along the way.

Source:  Montgomery County Public Schools. 1996.  Mathematics at home:  A guide for parents, grades K-2.  Rockville, MD:  Author. 

Addition and Subtraction Strategies

Multiplication and Division Strategies