Fluency+(Add,+Subtract)

= Fact Fluency - Addition and Subtraction =
 * 1) Teach kids facts **conceptually** first, then work on committing them to memory.
 * 2) Learning the facts by searching for and internalizing **patterns** can help kids learn facts conceptually. For example, encourage kids to notice things like increasing an addend by 1 or 2 increases the sum by 1 or 2; or that you can find 7x6 by adding 2x6 and 5x6.
 * 3) You can teach the facts **throughout the year**. Lots of folks take the first 10 minutes of a math lesson to teach and practice facts.
 * 4) Games, movements, flash cards, well-designed drill sheets, and chants are all great ways for kids to practice facts.
 * 5) Families can help students practice these facts at home - but be sure that kids have learned them conceptually first!

Games
//There are so many terrific games that you're probably already using, or have used in the past. Below are a few examples of games. Again, if you have great game ideas to share, please send them to Jane or Lily. Thanks!//

Students work in pairs with their own sets of flashcards. Each player picks up a card, shows it to the partner, and the partner answers. Players take turns.
 * Partner Practice **

Students work in pairs, and spread out flashcards with the equation face-down. Each player calls out an equation, and the partner finds the answer (and can check on the other side for the correct equation). Players take turns until all cards are gone.
 * Fact Jumble **

Students work independently, with the flashcard answers face-up. The player picks up a card, reads the answer, and determines what the corresponding equation is!
 * Backwards Facts **

//**Any of the above games can be played using a game board, so students can move along to an end point. A sample game board can be found here:**//

Students work in pairs or in groups with Bingo boards with their own sets of flashcards. Players take turns picking up a card and reading the equation, while the rest of the students find the answer and mark it (using buttons, blocks, markers, etc.). When students get a specified number of correct answers in a row, they call out "BINGO!"
 * Fact Bingo **

Sample Lessons
In Singapore Math, one of the ways students learn the fact associated with a given number is through practice breaking apart and putting together combinations of that number. For example, students can use 7 bears to come up with all of the combinations of 7, and make "The Story of 7" by recording all of the combinations of that number through number bonds and/or addition sentences. This helps students internalize the facts.
 * The Story Of... **

Let's Learn Those Facts - Illuminations Unit

Assessment
//Working with your PLC to ask, "How will we know that they've learned their facts?" can help you determine the criteria you will share with students and assess them on. Below is a spreadsheet for tracking progress, which you can alter at your discretion to meet your needs in any way you like. There are clearly lots of systems for assessment of fact mastery, and feel free to share what you do with Jane or Lily, so that we can share with others!//