How to Get Students Invested in Learning Math Facts

"Do we have to do a timed test again today?" 

You hear the grumbles and the sighs as you hand out the papers to each student. While the old school drill and kill method that we grew up with can be effective, it is not usually the most motivating or engaging practice for students.

So what can we do as teachers to encourage our students' math fact fluency?

I have the solution that will turn the grumbles and sighs into smiles and cheers. And the solution to the math fact memorization blues is...

SUPERHERO MATH FACT CLIP CHARTS!

As teachers I'm sure we are all well aware that clip charts are used as an effective classroom management tool for students to visualize their daily behavior based on where their clip is on the chart.

I have taken that same concept and turned it into a way for students to visually track their math fact progress. When students pass a multiplication or division set they clip the clothespin with their name on it to that particular table.

After implementing the clip chart system students would ask me daily, "Are we doing clip ups today?" Clip ups are our daily ritual where I announce which students are clipping up. As I call them up to the front to move their clip, there is much rejoicing as students cheer one another on!

BONUS! You get to stand on the desk as you near the top!

The clip chart method is effective, because students can work at their own pace, and they feel a sense of accomplishment as they visually track their progress. The clip chart system also builds community as students cheer and encourage each other on to the top of the chart.

All of my math fact clip charts are available here.

Try it in your own classroom, and let me know what you think.

-Carly

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