Many of us have seen a bright student get stuck on a tough word problem, not because they don’t understand the ideas, but because they’re still counting on their fingers to solve 7 x 8.

When basic facts aren't automatic, students use up so much mental energy on simple arithmetic that they have little left for the multi-step thinking needed on tests like the STAAR®. Research shows that when students develop automatic recall of basic math facts, they can devote more working memory to solving complex problems and multi-step reasoning. Learn more.

XtraMath offers a practical four-week plan that school leaders can implement quickly to strengthen math fluency before testing season.

Week 1: Launch and Diagnose Fluency Gaps

Start by making sure everyone is on the same page. A clear message from leadership ensures the goal is shared: “We are sharpening our tools now so the 'big test' feels manageable later.”

Days 1–3: Finding the Gaps

• The Hook: Teachers show the introductory video with Mr. C to build student excitement.
• The Baseline: Students complete 10-minute diagnostic sessions over 2-3 days to identify levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• The Data: Teachers receive an initial "Fluency Score" for every student, visible in both Classroom and Student Reports.

Days 4–6: Setting the Target

• Action Step: Use the scores to assign the operation (+, -, x, /) with the most potential for growth.
• 💡 Pro Tip: Use the 3-second timer. This is the "sweet spot" for building true automatic recall.

Weeks 2–4: Daily Fluency Practice

Consistency is the "secret sauce." A 10-minute session each morning works much better than a long cram session on Fridays.

The Routine

Integrate XtraMath Premium into morning work, bell-ringers, math station rotations, or intervention blocks A 10 minute session is complete when the student sees the “You Are Done for Today” message.

Monitoring & Motivation

• Weekly Check-ins: Encourage teachers to check the Classroom Report every other day or at least once a week. If a students is feeling frustrated, the teacher can adjust the settings and give more time per question to help build confidence. If a student is doing really well, move them on to the next operation.
• Celebrate the Wins: Recognition is a big motivator during the Fluency Sprint. School leaders and teachers can present the sprint as a school-wide challenge instead of just another assignment.
  • The Wall of Fame: Create a visual board in the hallway or classroom.
  • Use the trophies and certificates from XtraMath as rewards. When students see their progress, their confidence in math grows along with their scores.

Bring the Fluency Sprint at Your School

After four weeks, students won’t just be "better at math." They will be:

• Faster: Finger-counting is replaced by automatic recall.
• Confident: They have tangible proof of their own daily progress.
• Prepared: Their minds are free to focus on the complex, multi-step thinking required by state standards.

XtraMath offers schools the opportunity to try a free Fluency Sprint implementation, including setup guidance for principals and instructional coaches (PDF) and resources to help teachers get started quickly.

👉 Request your free Fluency Sprint for your school here.

By

Jackeline Orcutt

Product Marketing Manager

Xtramath

‍