Math Fact Memorization Strategies

Math Fact Memorization Strategies

Make It

Place counters to make a representation of a problem that you need to memorize. Look at the math fact you have made. Point to each part of the problem as you say that fact aloud. Do this 3 times. Close your eyes. Picture the counters in your head. Say each pair of the problem. Then, open your eyes. Point to each part of the problem as you say the fact aloud again.

Draw It

Draw a picture that represents a math fact that you need to memorize. Use a different color for each part of the number sentence. Point to each part of the problem as you say the fact aloud 3 times. Write the fact below the picture 3 times.

Say It

Write a fact that you need to memorize. Point to each part of the problem as you whisper the fact 3 times. Point to each part of the problem as you say the fact 3 more times in a silly voice. Point to each part of the problem as you repeat the problem 3 more times in another voice. Point to each part of the problem as you say the problem another 3 times aloud to a partner.

Write It

Choose up to 5 problems that you need to memorize. Write each problem you need to memorize in a column. Write each problem 3 more times in the same row. Say each part of the problem as you write it.

Trace It

Choose up to 5 facts that you need to memorize. Write them. Write each problem you need to memorize once. Choose 5 different colored markers or crayons. Then, trace each problem once with each of the 5 colors. Say each part of the problem as you trace it.

Horizontal and Vertical

Choose up to 6 facts that you need to memorize. Write each problem horizontally 3 times. Write each problem vertically 3 times. Say each part of the problem as you write it.

Part of the Family

Draw a picture that represents an addition or subtraction fact. Then, write a number sentence for your picture. Create a fact family by rearranging the numbers in the number sentence to make 3 true number sentences. A fact family will have 2 addition and 2 subtraction problems. Point to the parts of each number sentence as you say it aloud.

Partner Practice

Choose 5 facts that you need to memorize. Write them down. Rewrite the facts on a separate sheet of paper. Include the answers. Give the facts with answers to a partner. Say each part of the problem aloud. Say the answer. If your partner says, “Correct,” continue with the next problem. If the answer is not correct, your partner will say “Incorrect” and say the complete problem. Say the problem and correct answer aloud 5 times before you continue with the next problem. When you are finished, switch roles.

Circling Partners

Think of a math fact that you need to memorize and write it on a piece of paper. Choose a partner. Together with the class, form two circles on the floor with all partners facing each other. One set of partners will form an inside circle. The other partners will form an outside circle. Partners take turns saying their written math facts 3 times to each other. When complete, the partners forming the outside circle rotate one person to the right so that they face a new partner. Repeat until everyone has shared his math facts with a new partner.

Draw, Write, Say, Quiz

Choose 3 facts that you need to memorize. Draw a picture to represent each fact. Write each fact 3 times below the picture. Say each complete fact 4 times. When you are finished, trade papers with a partner. Quiz each other. Draw a star beside each problem with a correct answer. Circle the problems that are not correct on the quiz. Continue to practice the circled facts.

Triangle Cards

Choose 7 triangle flash cards with facts that you need to memorize. Use a triangle flash card to help you write each number sentence in the fact family. Then, cover 1 number on the flash card. Say the related fact 4 times. Cover the next number. Repeat. Continue until you have done the activity with each card.

Triangle Cards Partners

Place the 7 triangle flash cards upside down in a stack. Partner A should pick a card and cover 1 number with her finger. Then, she should show the card to Partner B. If Partner B can say the fact, he gets the card. If he cannot, the card goes to the bottom of the pile. Partner B picks the next card and covers a number. Then, she should show it to Partner A. They continue taking turns. The winner is the player with the most cards when the pile is gone or when time runs out. Note: If more than 2 people play, the player with the card shows it to the player to her left. The game continues in a clockwise direction.

Flash Card Flip It

Place 10 rectangle flash cards in a row. As you look at each card, point to each part of the problem. Say it aloud. Flip the card over when you say the word equals. If you can say the correct answer faster than you can flip the card, the card stays in the game. If you flip the card over before you can say the correct answer, take it out of the row. Then, put it into a pile. When there are 6 cards in the pile, stop. Hold each of the 6 cards. Say the problem and answer 5 times as you point to each part. Move 6 cards so that they become the first 6 cards in the row of 10. Start the game again.

Partner Flash Cards

Partners should sit facing each other. Choose 1 partner to go first. She is Partner A. Partner B holds the flash cards and shows the first flash card to Partner A. Partner A reads the problem aloud and tries to say the correct answer within 3 seconds. If the correct answer is said in 3 seconds, or if Partner A used any strategy other than memorization, place the card in the “needs to know” pile. When there are 6 cards in the “needs to know” pile or the pile of flash cards is gone, stop. Partner A says each of the facts in the “needs to know” pile 6 times to Partner B. Partner B repeats the activity with Partner A until all 6 cards are in the “know” pile. Then, the 2 partners switch roles.

If I Know 1 Fact

Choose 6 facts that you need to memorize. Write each complete fact and its partner problem. Draw a star beside the math fact in each set that you know the best. Give the paper to your partner. Your partner should say, “If I know . . .” and say the fact with the star next to it. You should answer, “Then I also know . . .” and say the partner problem. If both problems are said correctly, your partner will say, “Correct” and go to the next set of problems. If you are incorrect, your partner will say, “Incorrect,” and say the problems correctly. You should repeat the fact correctly 5 times. When you have finished saying your facts, switch roles with your partner. If time allows, repeat the activity.