Throughout my 10 years as an elementary school teacher and district administrator, I’ve seen multiple math curricula come and go, but XtraMath has been the one tool I consistently rely on for helping students master their math facts. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve always believed that math instruction needs to be both relatable and fun. However, one consistent challenge I’ve noticed is that math becomes significantly less enjoyable for students who struggle with their math facts.
Understanding mathematical concepts is undeniably crucial, but students who lack automaticity with math facts often find themselves hampered in their progress. Many students struggle to learn and remember all the steps required to solve multi-digit problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. And this struggle is exacerbated when students have to pause and calculate a math fact in the middle of a problem, turning one problem into multiple smaller, frustrating problems. It’s clear that this additional challenge is both distracting and disheartening for many students.
I first learned about XtraMath during my time as a student teacher, and I’ve been a dedicated user and proponent of the program ever since, not only as a teacher but also as a district leader and a parent. I won't lie - students are not always thrilled about having to use XtraMath, but one of the great things about the program is that practice sessions are short - usually less than ten minutes. While students may not always be thrilled about these sessions, they quickly come to understand that consistent practice leads to real and noticeable improvement.
In my classrooms, I’ve made it a habit to share each student's progress score, ranging from 0 to 100. Though the improvement was not always linear, it’s unmistakable over time. When students become fluent with their math facts, the challenge of learning math is much less daunting and even enjoyable. The sense of accomplishment students feel as they master their math facts is palpable and incredibly rewarding to see.
One particular 2nd grade student stands out in my memory. This student entered my classroom two years below grade level in math skills. Initially, he found XtraMath sessions challenging and somewhat frustrating. However, as he persisted with daily practice, his scores gradually improved. By the end of the year, this student was not only proficient in his math facts but exceeded the end of year benchmarks for math! XtraMath was undoubtedly a big part of his transformation.
Feedback about XtraMath from my students - and their families - has been very positive. Many have expressed satisfaction in seeing improved scores and math abilities. Many of my fellow teachers have also taken notice and adopted XtraMath in their classrooms as well.
Integrating XtraMath into a teaching routine is straightforward and effective. I find that setting a consistent schedule for practice sessions helps students develop a routine. Additionally, using the program’s progress tracking features allows teachers to tailor their instruction to meet individual student needs better. The ability to share progress with students keeps them motivated and engaged, as they could see their hard work paying off.
XtraMath offers several additional features that I find particularly beneficial, such as the adaptive practice sessions that adjust to each student's skill level, ensuring that they are always appropriately challenged. This personalization has been crucial in maintaining student engagement and promoting steady improvement.
From personal experience, I believe that XtraMath can profoundly improve math instruction and the overall classroom environment. It can pave the way for more meaningful and enjoyable math learning experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend XtraMath. With regular use, its effectiveness in transforming student performance and confidence is undeniable.
Thank you for reading.
Kelleth Chinn
