A basic foundation in math is knowing your math facts fluently. Some may disagree, but I have seen it in action for the past 16 years of teaching.
Those who know their facts fluently aren't spending additional think-time on the facts, but instead they are trying to solve the problem. I am a firm believer that flash cards are a helpful tool for fact-fluency mastery.
We use pattern blocks when we start our fraction unit. We discuss how many parts it takes to make one whole and I change what the 'whole' is to keep my students on their toes.
About my class
A basic foundation in math is knowing your math facts fluently. Some may disagree, but I have seen it in action for the past 16 years of teaching.
Those who know their facts fluently aren't spending additional think-time on the facts, but instead they are trying to solve the problem. I am a firm believer that flash cards are a helpful tool for fact-fluency mastery.
We use pattern blocks when we start our fraction unit. We discuss how many parts it takes to make one whole and I change what the 'whole' is to keep my students on their toes.