by Dad on Rocket Math, Spaceship Math, Strategies, Worksheets
Unfortunately, division isn’t just multiplication in reverse. Oh yeah, we tell them that and it flies for a while, but then one ugly left over spoils the fun. Remainders. You only get so far into division before this remainder thing pops up, so if you arm your kids with only the “reverse the multiplication” strategy, division quickly develops a reputation as the nightmare operator. We relied heavily on the idea that addition and subtraction had “fact families” and you could always reverse them, but that clean relationship just isn’t there for multiplication and division. I mean, what’s the corresponding multiplication fact for 5 / 2 = 2 r 1 ? 2.5 x 2 ? We don’t get closure here until we’ve introduced fractions and decimals… Perhaps division’s reputation as a monster is a bit deserved. Either way, this post describes the various sets of division worksheets on the site to help you introduce division and remainders successfully. Read the rest of this entry »
by Dad on Strategies, Worksheets
Number patterns are a great way to revist basic addition and subtraction operations in a different format from the usual math drills. They also illustrate some interesting relationships like 15 minute intervals in hours, intervals of 25 in dollars and the ever-useful mechanics of multiples-of-five that seem to show up in every day life.
It seems like number patterns are increasingly appearing on things like AIMS tests and other placement exams. Include a healthy does of number patterns in your regular worksheet diet and pattern problems will be like striped candy. Or, so I keep telling my eldest.
New number pattern worksheets can be found at the link here…
Number Pattern Worksheets
…or under the ‘Worksheets’ menu to the right.
UPDATE! Additional worksheets involving negative numbers, including patterns that cross zero, have been added in their own section…
Negative Number Pattern Worksheets
by Dad on Parenting, Rocket Math, Strategies
Many grade schools now using various types of timed tests for basic arithmetic. This web site was originally created to provide practice worksheets for a time testing program used at a local school district. If your child’s school is using a similar program, these worksheets will provide several variations on the single practice sheet that typically comes home for each lesson.
The Rocket Math programs are typically divided into multiple levels usually identified by letter, where each level introduces a small number of basic facts. The problems on each level are built on the The tests are usually given daily, with each test lasting one minute. Practice on the problems is pretty critical to success, especially if your child isn’t one that works well under the pressure of the clock.
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by Dad on Strategies
Learning multiplication facts is a challenge because it’s the first math operation where your child needs to contend with relatively large numbers. Two digit addition and subtraction is squarely in the realm of numbers less than 20, which is familiar territory. There’s something concrete about 12 or 15 or similar numbers countable on fingers and toes, but 73 really is a big step out of the pond.
There’s two ways to approach this. One is just brute force memorization. I remember endless flash card drills after school, the timed tests in the classroom and the gradual accumulation of resentment towards anything with that little ‘x’ attached to it. While we love the Rocket Math program the schools use here, it is largely just memorization and could use something to back it up.
The other alternative is to make multiplication something of a game, with systems for some of the numbers. There still an inevitable amount of memorization that goes on, but by getting 90% of the multiplication table down to a few simple rules, the goal is suddenly within everyone’s reach. Split second, memorized results are still going to come, but having some means to reach incremental (albeit slower) success takes the fear and dread out of the process.
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