Walter asks:
Hi Dr. Don, Our school uses Rocket Math. I have a student who will be finishing Division Z before the school year ends. What should this student go on to next if he finishes early? Thanks!
Dr. Don answers:
Walter, There are several options beyond division in Rocket Math.
We have the
10s, 11s, and 12s in Multiplication and the
10s, 11s, and 12s in Division. Some people really think learning the 10s, 11s and 12s are valuable, and these programs provide a great way to memorize these facts and review the ones already known. Personally, I think knowing up through the 9s is probably sufficient but we have them if you want them.
Another skill that students can start learning after division 1s-9s is how to find all the factors of common numbers. One of the other programs available in the Universal subscription is
Rocket Math Factors. We teach a specific procedure for how to start and how to know when you are done finding all the factors of a given number. I did a
whiteboard lesson on the procedure for factoring available here at educreations. Then I built a program to practice listing the factors of common numbers that builds this skill to a fluent level. Students enjoy getting good at factors and fractions are going to be much easier once these are known.
Another skill that students can start learning after division is
Rocket Math Integers. Students in pre-algebra often find adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers to be difficult and confusing. I have broken this skill down into six component parts and teach two rules which tell students what to do and when. I use vertical number lines to illustrate each problem so that going "up" on the number line is more and going "down" is less. Each type of problem gets practiced first with the vertical number lines and then with a partner and then in a test. There are special rules to set goals no faster than is reasonable.
All of these programs use the same structure as the rest of Rocket Math. There are 26 lettered sets to work through. There are daily practice sessions with a partner who can use answer keys. (Important if only one student is in that program). And of course, there are daily 1-minute timings which can be taken at the same time as everyone else takes their 1-minute timing.
Teachers have reported to me that students are really proud to go "beyond division" and enjoy learning these new and prestigious skills. It will be a draw for other students to pass division as well.
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