Let's start with what doesn't work for a struggling student — MEMORIZING.

I was once told by a learning specialist that to memorize one fact, a student would have to repeat it 120 times. There are 55 addition facts. There are 100 subtraction facts. There are 66 multiplication facts. There are 111 division facts. That's 332 facts times 120 equals 39,840 memory steps to mastering basic math facts if you reply on memory alone.

What does work to teach Math

• showing the student the system involved in math. This is how you will teach multiplying and dividing.
• use known facts to teach unknown facts. eg., 3+2 and 2+2
• giving students a strategy or 'tool' to deal with math facts. eg., math ladder
• use 'tricks' or techniques instead of hoping they will eventually memorize the math fact. magic nine
  It is a matter of speed in retrieving a math fact not the ability to memorize that is important.

Basic Strategies

Seven basic strategies for adding and subtracting:

1. Count up
2. Count down
3. Magic nine
4. Math ladder
5. Doubles
6. Related fact
7. Regroup

See our basic strategies for adding and subtracting page .

Four basic strategies for multiplying and dividing:

1. Use doubles
2. Use halves
3. Count by 5s — for multiplying and dividing
4. Magic nine — for multiplying and dividing

See our multiplying page and our division page.

---

---

Math Interventions

See the Math Skills Section for more information, techniques and math interventions.

See our Teaching Resources for Math for teaching and practice worksheets

Go to the Website Index


Return to the Home Page


---

Managing Math

Recognizing that struggling students have special learning needs, Teach All Kids is committed to providing both free and paid member-only worksheets and usage advice based upon proven techniques that help your child or student to be more successful. Those choosing to become subscribed members will have immediate access to over 2,500 additional teaching resources.





Together, we can teach all kids.