Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Xtramath : Math Fact Practice

Xtramath has become a very popular tool in our region allowing students basic math fact practice; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  This free online tool motivates students into practicing quick math facts, with a philosophy of a little bit of practice every day.

Once a student logs into the system, they are guided through their activities by a facilitator.  This facilitator will provide them with their instructions for the day.  In the beginning they take a placement quiz so the program can determine which questions they'll need more practice on in the future.  Each time after that the facilitator will guide them through a short practice exercise helping them improve their math fact recall.


These exercises are not intended to be long, as facilitator will prompt the student when they are finished.  The philosophy is a little practice every day.

When answering questions, students are proficient if they correctly answer the question in under 3 seconds.  The program will assist them if needed, however to "master" the math fact the student will need to repetitively answer the math fact correct in under 3 seconds.


As a teacher you will have the opportunity to view daily and weekly progress of your students work through a variety of reports.  This progress will provide much needed data to demonstrate student growth throughout the year.  Teachers in one elementary school have students keep track of their weekly performance on number lines posted on a classroom bulletin board.


When logging into the website, there are three modes: as a student, a teacher, or a classroom.  Using the classroom option allows the teacher to set up a computer in their room to reveal a list of their students in a drop down menu, so a student finds and clicks their name, enters their PIN, and they are in.


If you are in need of a tool to assist students with their math facts, Xtramath is the tool for your class.  Give it a try, you'll be set up and using it by the end of the week.  Click here for online videos or more information