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New School-Wide Computer
Math Program
Sacred Heart School recently acquired MathFacts
in a Flash produced by Renaissance Learning, the same company
who created Accelerated Reader. This program is currently
being used in 1st grade through 7th grade to improve and monitor
students' performance in basic math facts.
MathFacts in a Flash is a software program
designed to help give students at all skill levels valuable
practice on their addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
squares, and fraction-decimal conversion facts. The program
tests students on basic math facts, organized in levels of
increasing difficulty. Students master levels by meeting accuracy
and speed goals on timed tests. On-screen feedback after each
practice and test session lets students know how they are
doing. The software keeps track of students’ work at each
level, and detailed reports gives an instant snapshot of each
student’s progress. Students work with the program independently
and most enjoy using the software, which makes it easier to
get them to practice their math facts. Why is it important
for students to practice and master basic math facts?
The goal in using MathFacts in a Flash is
for students to recall math facts instantly and accurately,
without the use of calculators. This is an important skill,
both in school and everyday life. By mastering math facts,
students develop an understanding of the relationship between
numbers. They build a strong foundation to support the learning
of higher-level math and development of problem-solving skills.
When students don’t know their math facts, they struggle and
often begin to dislike math. But when students master math
facts, they typically feel positive about learning math and
are confident in their ability to learn new skills. This confidence
is vital for students to succeed in math throughout their
school career.
Being able to recall math facts instantly
is also a practical life skill. Think of the everyday instances
when we have to make quick computations—deciding which product
is a better buy at the grocery store, splitting up a restaurant
check among several people, or figuring out when to start
cooking parts of your dinner, so everything is ready at the
same time. It’s often not practical to use a calculator or
work problems out on paper. Someone who has a solid command
of math facts can calculate simple problems in her head. Even
with more difficult problems, knowing math facts makes it
easier to come up with quick and accurate estimates.
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