XtraMath

XtraMath is one program we are using to help students develop and practice math fact fluency.  

XtraMath is a free online program that focuses strictly on math fact fluency.  XtraMath helps students transition from counting or calculating the basic math facts to recalling them. Recalling math facts instead of calculating them frees up mental resources for higher-level operations. 

Students each complete one round daily in the classroom on one of four iPads we are rotating through. The rounds are quick (less than 10 minutes). It is recommended that they complete only one round each day, but feel free ato have your children complete a round on the weekend so you can see how the program works. 

A few weeks ago you received a letter with a brief explanation and a code to link your email with the account. You should be receiving weekly reports with your child's progress. When you look at the report, it is helpful to know what the dots mean: Green means the student got less than 10% wrong. Yellow means between 10% and 25% wrong. Red means over 25% wrong. Blue dots indicate an incomplete XtraMath session. Students that regularly get red dots should be encouraged not to guess at answers. If they cannot confidently remember the answer they should do their best to calculate or count the answer.

I also receive a weekly report which gives me a nice, quick insight as to the progression of students fact fluency.  If students are consistently getting a red dot. I will remind them to slow down and focus on getting the facts correct first and that speed will come as they become more proficient.  I may also change their program to give them more time.  (The regular provides students 3 seconds per fact, and the extended program allows them 6 seconds.)  

Once students finish the regular program they have some choices. Students can move onto the advanced programs in which they need to complete addition and subtraction facts in 2 or 1.5 seconds. This is the program I typically recommend.  As stated above, the quicker the recall, the easier it will be for them to complete higher-level operations.  This is especially important this year as we move into multiple digit addition and subtraction with regrouping.The other option is to move onto multiplication and division.   Students develop the basic concept of how these operations works in the early grades, but mastery of the facts is not expected until they begin grade 3. 

The "Help" section on the XtraMath site is great! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions regarding this program.