Math Struggles Start with Math Facts – Here’s How to Fix It
Learning Math Facts Shouldn't Be Controversial. But we live in odd times.
In the United States, there was concerted effort to shift away from direct memorization of math facts. The results speak for themselves.
Today, a staggering 71% of 8th graders are NOT proficient in math.
Why? Because Without Math Facts, Algebra Is Impossible. What do math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), learned in grades 1-3, have to do with 8th grade algebra?
A lot actually. To understand why, you must first understand how the brain learns.
When you learn something new, it takes your brain’s processing power, specifically your conscious thought. If you’ve ever learned to play the piano, cook, sing, type or literally any other task, you know that when you begin, it takes a LOT of mental effort. Indeed without careful attention, it’s impossible to learn. That’s why ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is a considered a learning disability.
But the effort to learn diminishes over time. Once mastered, skills become second nature. Do you remember learning to type? It took a long time of careful practice. But as I type this now, I’m not thinking about letter strokes. I’m typing words as they appear in my mind.
How is it possible that a task that once took incredible feats of attention and effort is now quite literally effortless?
Simply put, learning something new uses a different part of your brain than doing something you already know.
New, novel tasks use your cerebral cortex. What’s that? Picture a brain. What you are imagining is the cerebral cortex. But there are many other, unseen parts of the brain - and those are the parts doing mastered tasks, specifically the brainstem.
OK, but what does this have to do with math facts & algebra?
Your child can’t work on higher order math (algebra), if their brain is busy working on lower order math (math facts).
If your kid knows math facts, then the entirety of their cerebral cortex can focus on doing algebra. If they don’t, they will have to constantly task switch between algebra and math facts. It’s like trying to learn a new recipe and a new song at the same time - an impossible feat!
Math facts are the foundation upon which nearly all higher level math is built.
At this point, you should be asking how to teach math facts in a method works with the brain’s natural process of learning. Good news! That’s up next.
In today’s post, you will learn 👇
6 Tips to Maximize Math Facts Mastery
When their brain’s ready to learn (timing’s everything)
Evidence-based techniques to make math facts stick
My favorite resources to help kids learn their facts
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If you liked this post, you might also enjoy my workshop You Can Teach Math and Do You Want Your Kids to Understand Math or Just Appear That They Do?