Memorizing Math Facts
Synergize Learning • October 27, 2022
Wait, memorization, really?
We talked about the importance of committing sight words to orthographic (visual) memory, but did you know that math facts work the same way? That’s right! Visualizing a memorized math fact like “12 x 12 = 144” is a similar process to visually recalling a sight word that has 9 letters.
Of course, it’s also crucial for students to understand the concepts behind these math facts, which is why initially learning numbers and computation with manipulatives or concrete counters is the way to go. However, in order to access later levels of higher order concepts, a student needs to have primary math facts memorized so they can focus their effort on applying those new concepts, rather than getting stuck counting on fingers or making basic computation errors that carry over into subsequent steps of a multi-step question.
So, how do I practice?
Create or purchase a deck of math fact cards. Start off by showing the whole fact, including the answer. Then, cover up the card and ask your child to “air-write” the fact by tracing the numbers and symbols in the air while verbalizing the equation in words: “eight minus three equals five”
Later on, you can quickly quiz your learner by flashing the card without the answer and asking them to “race” and see how many facts they can correctly answer.
Once they have built some automaticity with the previous steps, you can start incorporating harder-level imagery questions into the mix. For example, using the side of the card that includes the answer, cover up the first or middle digit and ask them what number they should picture to complete the full equation. Working again with the example of 8-3=5, you can cover up the 8 or the 3.
