I agree, too!

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Home : 2002 : January : 21

I agree, too!
By Elaine

I totally agree with Carolyn and the previous poster. I haven't been able to stress the importance of knowing multiplication facts enough to motivate some of my students to practice them. But, sadly, I have to add that
it's not just the students who are unmotivated, it's parents too. I've sent notes home to parents (of my FIFTH graders) asking that they spend a little time helping their student practice, but I don't seem to be getting cooperation. My students who did struggle to learn their facts but now have, are the students whose parents (along with the students themselves) bought into the importance

and began to make time for practice. I also would have been mortified if I hadn't known my X Facts in 4th much less 5th grade.

I have a couple of students who will just sit there doing absolutely nothing in the middle of a math problem. When I ask why they are not working, they respond that they can't possibly do it because they don't know their sixes!!!!!!!!!!!! They actually act like they think it's my fault that I expect them to do math that requires them to know their sixes!!!!!!! Talk about frustration!!!!!!!

I am going to try the idea posted below as "Multiplication Facts" where students take a 100-Fact 4-Minute test daily and then do "Write-Offs" afterwards. As usual, this Board offers the best words of encouragement and solutions to my problems. Thanks to All!
Elaine