#7 Early Learner Math Needs

According to Raishay Lin (2011) in “Math Research Reveals Early-Learning Needs” there are three basic competencies that are essential to a student's math success: numbers, counting and low-level arithmetic. In the article Lin reviews the findings of a study conducted by psychologists at the University of Missouri with 177 elementary students from 12 different elementary schools spanning kindergarten through fifth grade. The study’s findings suggest that not only are these three skills essential but they should be mastered by first grade. Students that mastered numbers, counting and low-level arithmetic in first grade were more likely to be successful in math in fifth grade. Lin (2011) advises parents and teachers to incorporate these three skills in to their math instruction to prepare for long-term success in math. Having taught third and fourth grade I know that foundational gaps are difficult to overcome. Students that are missing early math skills often think they are "no good" at math or become easily frustrated when the work becomes a challenge. Here is a list of web-based activities that address these three competencies in the lower elementary grades. They can be used by students independently at the computer during center time or during flexible grouping. Click the title to preview the activity.

Number Sense:

• Give the Dog a Bone- Find 10 hidden numbers in a hundreds chart.
• Counting Caterpillar- Select a minimum and maximum and put the numbers in order from least to greatest. 
• Shark Pool Place Value-Match cuisinaire rods and the correct number.

Counting:

• Whack a Mole- Select your skip counting number and whack the mole that comes next in the sequence.
• Skip Counting Squares- Select your skip counting number and place the number squares in the correct sequence.
• Balloon Pop Skip Count- Select your skip counting number and pop the balloons in the correct sequence.

 

Basic Addition & Subtraction

• Math Magician- Select addition or subtraction for timed practice of basic facts. You can complete mixed practice or select a specific number to review.
• Sum Sense Addition- Timed fact practice of addition
•  Sum Sense Subtraction- Timed fact practice of subtraction 

 

References:

Lin, Raishay., (2011). Math research reveals early-learning needs. eSchool News, 15 (8), 77-78.

University of Missouri. (2011). MU Psychology Study Finds Key Early Skills for Later Math Learning [Press Release]. Retrieved from 

http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2011/0711-mu-psychology-study-finds-key-early-skills-for-later-math-learning

#6 FASTTMath vs. XtraMath

Every teacher knows that the recall of basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) is essential to prepare students for problem solving and higher order math (Baroody, Bajwa, & Eiland, 2009). In the traditional classroom teachers use flash cards, file folder games, Around-the-World or Minute Math in an attempt to increase fact fluency. Now that teachers are responsible for documenting their Response to Intervention (RTI) computer assisted instruction is being used to supplement the teacher-led instruction more frequently. Let’s compare two options FASTTMath and XtraMath. FASTTMath is a subscription based program by Scholastic, INC. marketed at both parents and schools. XtraMath is a free web-based program developed for parents and teachers by a Seattle-based nonprofit. Both programs aim to increase fact fluency.

Feature	FASTTmath	XtraMath
Cost	$14,900 (site license- *includes   Fraction Nation)  $300 for parents	Free
Usage       Recommendations	Once daily 10 minute sessions	Once session daily (session   time dependent on student)
Do you have to   download or install   software?	Network version is browser   based.   1 Computer license is    installed from a CD-rom.	Web-based
Develops    automaticity of   basic math facts	*addition     *subtraction     *multiplication     *division	*addition     *subtraction     *multiplication     *division
Individualized   Instruction	Yes	Yes
Placement    Assessment	Yes	Yes
Individual Student    Progress Reports	Student Reports    *Student Fact Fluency Status    *Student Lesson Status    *Student Response to      Intervention  Class Reports   *Progress Report    *Intervention Grouping      Report	Student Reports     *Progress Report     Class Reports     * Printing reports at the Class         level is unavailable
School level data   disaggregation	Yes	No
Game Component	Student’s receive game   choices at the completion of a   lesson cycle.	A Race the Teacher   game is played in each daily   session.
Program Method	Uses expanding recall to   move math facts into long-term   memory	Uses expanding recall to   move math facts into long-  term memory
Print Practice    Component	Yes	No
Personalized    Reward Incentives	*Certificates     *Display Modifications	*Certificates
Modifications for   Students with   Special Needs	*Display Modifications     *Time Modifications     *Spanish/ English language         choice	None

My campus utilizes both programs. FASTTMath is used by teachers committed to meeting the 3 times a week time requirement for students. Teachers that would like to use a computer assisted program for fact fluency but do not feel they can meet the time requirements of FASTTMath weekly opt to use XtraMath. Both programs have something to offer parents and teachers. FASTTMath has many more features and added benefits but in today’s economic climate XtraMath is an option worth considering. 

XtraMath Video

XtraMath Overview from XtraMath on Vimeo.


FASTTMath Video

Reference

Baroody, A. J., Bajwa, N., & Eiland, M. (2009). Why can't Johnny remember the basic facts?. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 15(1), 69-79. doi:10.1002/ddrr.45