Computational FluencyComputational fluency with whole numbers is an essential goal for school mathematics and forms the foundation for many higher level math concepts. The Common Core State Standards address whether students can perform calculations and solve problems quickly and accurately, as can be seen in the following table.
Fact Fluency Cards
Our website provides numerous math games and math center activities to provide practice with skills and concepts that are critical to the development of computational fluency. These include estimating reasonable results, developing and practicing accurate and efficient strategies for computing, developing an understanding of the operations, and knowing the basic addition and multiplication facts and their counterparts in subtraction and division. This page provides information on how to use Fact Fluency Cards to support the development of computational fluency. These cards should be used in conjunction with math games and math center activities to provide regular, ongoing practice of basic facts.
How to Create and Store Fact Fluency Cards: Each set consists of 15 Fact Fluency Cards. The front of the card has a label with the problem. The back of the card has a label with the problem and answer. Each set of fact fluency cards is stored in an index card case  that is labeled with the set name.How to Use Fact Fluency Cards: This technique can be used at any grade level with any of the four operations. Students work in pairs. Partner A holds the pack of Fact Fluency Cards with the problem facing Partner B. Partner B reads the entire problem aloud and must give the answer without error. If the answer given is correct the card is put in a pile on the table. If the answer given is incorrect Partner A reads the problem and answer aloud and Partner B repeats it twice. Example: Tom: Eight plus eight is fourteen Sam; (reads from back of card) Eight plus eight is sixteen. Say it. Tom: Eight plus eight is sixteen. Sam: Again Tom: Eight plus eight is sixteen. The ‘error’ card is then placed back into the deck 2 - 4 spaces behind the front card and the next card is held up. Placing the card close to the front of the deck makes it more likely the student will solve it correctly when it comes up again. Practice continues until Partner B has completed all cards correctly. The students then swap roles. Opportunities should be provided for students to review mastered decks on a regular basis (every 5-6 sessions). Once a student feels that they have mastered a set of cards they post their name on the class chart (I am Ready for a Math Fact Fluency Meeting) to show that they are ready to meet with the teacher. If the student successfully completes all cards in the set during their meeting with the teacher they fill in their Fact Fluency Record Sheet and set their next goal. Fact Fluency Card Labels
Print the labels on adhesive labels (Avery 5160) and stick on blank index cards. Each card should have a problem on the front and the problem with the answer on the back.*The font used on these cards is PrimerPrint. If you do not have this font do a Google search to find a free download. Addition and Subtraction Fact Fluency Labels This file contains the following labels: Minus One Facts Plus One Facts Facts of 5 Facts of 10 (Addition) Doubles to 9+9 Near Doubles Build to Ten (e.g. 8+5=8+2+3=10+3=13) Plus 10 Set 1 Plus 10 Set 2 Facts of 10 (Subtraction)Minus 10 Minus Half Minus 9 (Think minus 10, add 1) Plus 9 Set 1 (Think plus 10, minus 1) Plus 9 Set 2 2 Digit Doubles Plus 9 Set 2 Build to Ten Set 2 Multiplication Fact Fluency Labels This file contains the following labels: x2 Facts x5 Facts x2 and x5 Facts (mixed) x10 Facts x3 Facts x4 Facts x6 Facts x7 Facts x8 Facts x9 Facts
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