Math Drills for Homeschoolers

First, let me get up on my soapbox about elementary math education. Then, I'll tell you about some of the resources I like to use.

I was a math major in college. Specifically, the Teaching of Mathematics was my major. So, I've had a lot of math courses and a lot of education courses. The math classes were good. The education classes...not so much. My university instructors were absolutely enamored with manipulatives--hands on games, objects, and activities that were to help the kids really "understand" math.

What I've come to realize is that (for most elementary kids) manipulatives don't offer a good math foundation. Cold hard math facts can form this foundation if they are memorized. Yes, by rote. I was taught that rote is an ugly term, and that kids don't really learn that way. But, the reality is quite different. When a child knows his math facts and procedures down pat, it is easier for him to start playing with the numbers in his head, turning them around, and seeing their relationships with each other.

It is a lot easier to teach a new math concept (say, adding fractions) if those addition and multiplication facts are automatically accessible to your student right there in his mind. He doesn't get distracted by the simple operations. He can concentrate on learning new algorithms and integrating new concepts into his mental math framework.

Sure, there is an occasional time and place for hands-on activities and manipulatives. I especially like to use something concrete for teaching place value. But most of the time I do not spend much time or effort with hands-on math. But, we do math drill every day in addition to the daily math lesson. To give an example, my 4th grader does addition, subtraction, and multiplication drills every day.

Here are some things I like to use:

• Calculadders. Timed tests on a variety of math operations. I bought the MasterPak 1 CD-Rom which contains 48 tests in PDF format for you to print off. These tests cover addition, subtraction, and multiplication. A MasterPak 2 CD-Rom is enroute to my house at the moment.
• Quarter Mile Math software. I wouldn't call this a low-cost tool, and I can't say I'm really excited about it. But, my kids like it...so that helps.
• Wrap-ups. I bought mine used. They've been great for quick, easy drill. They're portable, don't need to be plugged in, and they're kind of fun.
• MathTest software. The best thing about this is that it is FREE for download. It is a simple program, but it includes a lot of different ways to drill.
• Math-U-See Online Drills. FREE to use online. You can make these drills very specific to cover any trouble areas.
• Worksheet Generator. FREE to use online. You can create worksheets for all kinds of arithmetic problems. Created using (apparently) random numbers, they are unique each time you create one. You can also print answer keys which include the problem solving steps.
• Flashcards. I made my own. Buy them at Wal-Mart or wherever. Tried-and-true.
• Marker board/blackboard. Have your student write a troublesome math fact over 10 times. Have them copy a whole multiplication table. Just use some sort of repetition to help their hands and eyes put it into their brains.
• Extra practice worksheets. Maybe your curriculum offers extra practice worksheets. If so, use them.