Reply to How fast is your 3rd grader with their multiplication facts?

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Reply to "How fast is your 3rd grader with their multiplication facts?"

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[quote=Anonymous]Fluency is important, but keep in mind that these fast fact tests are (perhaps unintentionally) testing more than knowledge of and fluency in math facts (writing speed, processing speed, working memory, performance anxiety, perfectionism/fear of failure), so sometimes it highlights a learning difference unrelated to math knowledge. So it can be a useful flag.

My DS went through multivariable calc in 12th, high SATs, double majoring in math in college -- never passed a fast facts test in elementary school even though he knew them cold. He couldn't write fast enough for the written ones (has dysgraphia) and he clammed up with the oral ones (social anxiety related to bullying). My younger didn't have a writing issue, but also could't pass the fast fact quizzes even though he knew them cold and was eerily super fast in mental math - turns out he has ADHD. It is what it is.

If the kid knows his facts, but isn't doing well on the fast test, keep practicing, but don't overemphasize the importance of this one thing. These tests can kill confidence and make a kid believe they aren't "good" at math when they actually are. Practicing at home can help them hone the skills and create the brain pathways to overcome the disabilities if that is what is at issue. Just make sure the kid understands that they do know the math and don't let the competitive/speed part crush their confidence in actual math skills and knowledge. [/quote]

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