Today we focused on fact families. We used fact triangles as flash cards to reinforce the idea of fact families. The more they use the fact triangles, the more familiar they become with the fact families. Then when they encounter a fact with 2 of the numbers they will quickly identify the missing number rather than having to calculate the answer. When they know 5, 7, 12 are a fact family they will know...
5+7= 12-5=
7+5= 12-7=
For homework the children are bringing home a set of fact triangles. Have them cut them out and put them in a baggie and keep them in a safe spot. Pull them out frequently to practice for a minute or two. If you keep them handy, you can work on building "Fact POWER" a little bit every day.
Below is a video of children practicing with fact triangles in class.