The Importance of Learning Basic Math

The latest buzz in math nowadays seems to be teaching kids the “why” behind math and emphasizing multiple strategies when working math problems. While there is nothing wrong with these pedagogies and there are huge benefits to these approaches, one must not forget the importance of teaching simple arithmetic. Math used to be taught with extensive drill and practice. Perhaps this concept went by the wayside because it is boring and uninteresting. When students, however, learn and master the basic fundamentals of mathematics, it becomes a tool for them to have on hand for when they need to learn advanced math topics. When it becomes habitual and automatic, it’s easier to move forward to more complex math operations. Some math programs stress the automaticity of math facts more than others. If you find your program incorporates the process of grasping these basic skills through a good amount of practice or memorization, you will likely notice your students learn them so well they don’t have to think about them. This provides a solid structure as their math progresses. Since COVID, many kids fell behind in those foundational years when math facts were taught. If you find your child struggling with basic arithmetic operations or if your curriculum comes up a bit short in teaching these skills, there’s always room to supplement. And let’s be honest, drill and memorization doesn’t come easy to some learners. Here are multiple ways to approach learning and mastering these basic arithmetic skills.

Drill Books. I always had drill books for my kids if our math curriculum didn’t include enough practice. Some kids get test anxiety over the timed drills. You can start out by letting your children complete the drill page while recording the time. Then they can continue to work on improving their personal time every day. You may, perhaps, have children who thrive on getting the page done within a certain time frame. Either way, the continual practice will improve their math performance.

Songs. Auditory learners will especially benefit from songs. There are so many ways to implement learning with this method. You can even add hand movements or get creative and make your own math chants to well-known songs or poems.

Games. From card games to board games and everything in between, there are a plethora of games you can use to sharpen arithmetic skills. Try a few different games to play on the go or at home. Games are a fun and welcome activity for a child struggling with math.

Whiteboard Activity. Sometimes kids just do better practicing math skills on the whiteboard. Maybe they feel less intimidated, or they are utilizing more senses. The active learning that takes place helps students stay engaged.

Manipulatives. You can use counters, an abacus, Cuisenaire rods, base ten blocks, interlocking cubes, or any other manipulative to help hands-on and visual learners with basic arithmetic.

Flashcards. This is just one more way for children to visually see the facts and practice them. You can start with one series at a time. Kids can say the numbers out loud as they go through each card.

Most math programs already implement at least some of these activities for children. But care must still be taken to ensure that your children are learning math automaticity in order to be freed up to learn other complex math operations. Try one or more of these strategies to help young learners fill the gaps in their knowledge of basic math skills. 

Math Games:

Numbers BINGO! Learn to Count (PK-3)

Sum Swamp Addition & Subtraction (K-6)

Mathable Jr. Game (K-5)

Cupcake Dice Games (K-AD)

Math Splat! Card Games (2-AD)

Number Ninjas Game (2-AD)

Other Helpful Math Tools:

Basic Operations Flashcards

Manipulatives

Rectangular Dry-Erase Answer Paddle

Daily Math Practice by Evan-Moor®