The new school year is here! As you set up your classroom routines, one of the most important choices you’ll make is how to support each student’s math journey at their own pace. With XtraMath Premium’s Custom Programs, you can personalize learning so every student gets exactly what they need, whether it’s building confidence, catching up, or moving ahead.

Of course, with so many “math program” options available, deciding where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide with tips to help you choose the right custom program and set your students up for a year of math success.

1. Diagnose First, Personalize Next

The best way to start is by getting a clear picture of your class. Before you jump into practice, use the Assessment-Only Program to get a quick look at each student's math fluency. This powerful tool will give you the data you need to pinpoint their exact strengths and weaknesses, helping you create truly personalized learning paths.

Once you decide to assess your entire class, the placement quizzes are taken for a single operation (e.g., addition). Instead of practicing to master a skill, students take quizzes directly and, based on their final scores, automatically move on to the next operation in sequence:
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💡 Tip: Once you review the Assessment-Only results in the “Student’s  Report” and have identified a student's fluency gaps, immediately transition to choose a  “fluency program,” like “ Expanded Multiplication” Or “Beginning Subtraction.” This ensures students receive the targeted practice they need right away.

2. Choose the difficulty: The Right Problem Set Level

Once you have your assessment results, you can choose the right custom program from XtraMath's three problem set levels:

• Beginning: Best for K–2 learners, students with special education needs, or anyone needing a confidence boost. (Example: Addition sums to 10 or less, Multiplication with 0s, 1s, 2s.)
• Regular: Includes all single-digit facts and works for most students who are ready for a full challenge. (Examples: 9+9, 81÷9.)
• Expanded: Great for advanced elementary or middle school students. Includes up to 12s (e.g., 12+7, 132÷11).

The difficulty is set by the number of operations and how hard the math facts are assigned to a student, as shown in the matrices. Here's an example to help you select the difficulty level for each math operation:

💡 Tip: Expanded programs are a powerful way to bridge the gap between elementary and middle school, keeping skills sharp before students move into pre-algebra.

3. Adjust Fluency Thresholds for Automaticity

Achieving math fact fluency isn't just about getting the right answer; it's about being able to recall it instantly. That’s where adjusting the response time is so important.

Although XtraMath's default response time is six seconds, studies show that “true fluency” is achieved when students respond in three seconds or less. This automatic recall is key to reducing a student's cognitive load, freeing up their mental energy, allowing their "math brain" to focus on more complex tasks, such as word problems, fractions, and algebra.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

💡 Tip: A student's progress report is your best guide. When a student masters with 100 score a math operation within six seconds, it's a good sign they're ready for the next challenge. Moving them to the same operation with a three-second threshold can boost confidence and build automaticity.

4. Create a Blended Learning Routine

Instead of making XtraMath a standalone activity, try integrating it into a blended learning model. This lets you differentiate instruction and keep every student engaged in a productive, dynamic routine.

• Integrate into Rotations: A quick 10-minute session is enough for students to practice while you work with small groups. They get the consistent practice they need to build fluency without feeling overwhelmed.
• Targeted Follow-Up: Use the reports to guide your small-group or one-on-one support. The data will show you exactly who needs help and on what, so you can make your teaching time count.
• Reinforce with Awakening Math Game: After their fluency session, students can access Awakening (with your permission) as a reward. This game-based world allows them to apply foundational facts in engaging, problem-solving contexts.

5. Celebrate Milestones and Progress

Building fluency is about boosting confidence as much as it is about building skills. XtraMath automatically generates certificates and digital trophies printables as students achieve mastery. Take a moment to celebrate these achievements and keep their motivation high. These small wins create a positive classroom culture around math.

💡 Tip: Display all your students' trophies and certificates using the "Xtramath Wall of Fame banner,” available on the teacher’s  Resources page. Want more ideas to boost engagement? Click on this link: Creative Strategies to Boost XtraMath Usage.

Final Thoughts: Building Confidence, One Fact at a Time

As a dedicated educator, I'm sure your goal is to foster confident kids who are not afraid of math. With XtraMath, each fact mastered is a small but significant milestone that builds confidence and encourages students to take on greater challenges in their learning journey.

As you start this school year, keep in mind: meeting students where they are is the first step towards helping them grow and setting your students up for their best math year yet.

Happy Teaching!

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👉 Ready to get started? Log in to your XtraMath account today and assign your first custom program.

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Jackeline Paz Orcutt

Product Marketing Manager

XtraMath.

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