Students' Fact Power Off the Chart!!

Sweetsir Students exceeded expectations by logging in so much time practicing math facts, they went off the chart!  As you can see from the graph on display in the cafeteria, each first and second grade class had substantial participation.  The second graders in Ms. Hitchcock's class logged in the most time.  Ms. Rowley's students came in second and showed the most overall class participation.  The picture below was take during the final week of  'Math Fact Power Hours', when Ms. Rowley's class earned a special visit from the 'Fact Triangles'.

To celebrate their efforts to master math facts, there will be several school-wide theme days.  On Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2nd, all students and staff members may come to school dressed as a favorite book character.  The following week there will be a 'Pajama Day'.

Ms. Rowley's class with Fact Triangles (Ms. Joyce and Ms. Grimes)

Thank you to Margaret Grimes, Title One math teacher, for helping organize this initiative to encourage practice of math facts.  Sweetsir teacher have already noticed an improvement in many students 'fact automaticity.'  The ability to quickly add and subtract numbers is essential for later academic success.  It is important students continue to practice facts at both school and home. As they move on to the Donaghue School, this should also include practice of multiplication and division facts.  Students were given passwords earlier in the year for the Everyday Math website which features games that align with our math curriculum.  It does not matter whether students use fact triangles, traditional flashcards, website games or other methods as long as they feel a sense of achievement.  Children will be more motivated to learn if they find it fun and rewarding.