In 3rd grade, it seems like we focus a lot of time and energy on math facts. It is important that my student learn their multiplication and division facts so that they can successfully learn other concepts that are taught throughout the year. It is April and I still have students who are not completely successful in addition and subtraction and thus they are not doing well with multiplication and division. This is where XtraMath comes in. I blogged about this a couple of weeks ago. If you missed the blog entry and would like to see these resources, click here. This site was introduced to me by my Math AMSTI rep. She is awesome and always seems to have wonderful ideas. She offered it as a *free* (always great!) way to help my students learn their math facts.
When you register, your classroom as well as each one of your students receive a username and password. I took the usernames and passwords for each child and put them on a note card so that they are easily accessible. Then I am able to set the assignments for each student based on their math fact needs. I am able to choose from addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or any combination of those. My students are using this website occasionally during our computer time (2 times a week) and daily during math centers in the regular classroom.
The students work on their problem areas. As the students meet goals and finish assignments, they will be assessed and a report will be sent to my email. This is greatest part! I can keep up with each student’s progress individually. They are being pushed and challenged but at a pace and rate that is best for them. When they’ve finished an assignment, if they did well they are pushed on to the next level. If the students do not do well on an assignment, it continues to review and help them improve. On my emailed report, I also receive a report on those students who need intervention lessons with me that focus on certain concepts.
So far, I am really enjoying the use of XtraMath. My students like it because they get to use a computer. My struggling students get to feel successful and my high students get a challenge that they might not always get in math class. In many ways, the students get to control what they learn and how much they learn. I cannot wait until next year to start this program in August. It will be exciting to see how my students grow. Here is a video from the XtraMath website that gives an overview.
If you go to the site (link above) you can see videos that review everything from progress reports to how to use it in the classroom. Please try this site in your room and let me know what you think!
Amanda, this is a great topic. I teach 3rd grade special education and these kids are required to learn so much before the curriculum jumps in 4th grade. Thanks for sharing this valuable FREE resource. I like that I can receive a report showing data and progress. My students love to work on the computer. They are more attentive doing doing internet games than during instruction time. I will be implementing this into my Math centers. When my kids return to school Monday, they will be surprised. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, what a great way to motivate students. My 3rd grade special education students need all the help they can get on math facts. My students are still struggling with some of the multiplication tables. I am going to try XtraMath out on them and see how much they will learn between now and the end of school. Thanks for a great resource.
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