The Importance of Skip-Counting to Learn Math Facts
Skip-counting is an important foundation for children to learn math facts. In fact, a sharp transition has begun. Moving from timed memorization to number sense-related instruction gives children a better foundation.
Timed memorization of math facts have caused children anxiety for decades now. Entire studies have been devoted to this issue. Kids begin to hate math because of the pressure put on them to be quick and accurate. The research is proving this is not the way to go when it comes to math fact fluency. Even some of the newest Common Core State Standards (CCSS) remove the emphasis on rote memorization of math facts.
Fortunately, there are other ways to learn math facts, and it can be way more fun!
Here are some details related to math facts fluency:
1.Not all children can rote memorize.
I spoke with an educational psychologist who insisted that it is a waste of time for some children to attempt to memorize facts of any kind that are not linked to a deeper understanding of the concept. But don’t let this discourage you. A recent study (in 2013) found that students who memorized easily were not, in fact, higher achieving nor did they have higher IQ scores. In fact, the part of the brain responsible for memorizing facts is not the same as the part responsible for math comprehension. Humans need to understand deeply in order to process concepts.
2. You don’t have to hurry.
Children should be allowed to think and take their time while doing math. If they are forced to rush, they will develop an anxiety about math that crushes the enjoyment of it. Also, when students are stressed, working memory is blocked. This not only causes errors, but damages confidence. Fast recall does not equal a strong math student. Math facts in themselves are only a minute portion of mathematics and are not an indicator of intelligence in this area.
3. Teach with math with visuals.
Visual strategies can aid in overall understanding of math and also make important brain connections. By understanding of number concepts through visuals, children will achieve automaticity.
4. You don’t forget what you sing.
Turn difficult concepts, and facts into a song! Kids will be able to easily recall them.
5. Include number sense with any mathematical concept.
Number sense (in other words, understanding number patterns, quantities, and concepts) in cooperation with math fact instruction allows for a deeper comprehension of numbers and how they relate.
Skip-counting is a foundation to build math concepts, multiplication fact fluency, and begin an understanding of equal groups. If children can learn to skip-count, they can build on their knowledge of multiples when by learning multiplication facts. These are best learned through repetition and song.
I chose a simple song for skip-counting multiples 2-15. My children learned these and can easily sing the multiples.
I created some fun boho-inspired skip-counting cards 2-15. Two versions are included: one with the songs we use to skip-count and one without. You can download them for free here. Print on cardstock or laminate for durability and long-term use! If you need a good laminator, this one is my favorite. Once you cut them apart, punch a hole in the corner and put them on a binder ring.
I also created boho-inspired skip-counting posters. You can download them for free here. Print them as is, or print, laminate and cut out to use on a tabletop easel, bulletin board or wall.
