Take me back a few years ago when I noticed the class of Year Twos I was teaching were in desperate need of repeated practice of their basic number facts. Additionally, I needed a way to track their progress and growth in this area.
I thought, if I needed a creative way to help my students with number fluency, other teachers out there would too. This led me to design a resource that was purposeful, durable for repeated use and most importantly, appealing for the kids. Consequently, the speed test booklet was born!
My gut was right, after putting them into action, they were the perfect way to work on fact fluency, as well as track progress both for myself and my students. Let me break down the elements of these booklets that will aid your students in developing fluency of their number facts so they become confident mathematicians!
A variety of number facts in one place
All the booklets are broken into one of the four number operations. For example, an addition booklet will include up to 3 different basic facts to practise. Alternatively, we have the same layout up for multiplication, division and subtraction. In total, there are can be up to 16 mini-tests per booklet. Allowing your students to work on certain number skills daily for 3 to 4 weeks.
Multiple mini-tests
Each booklet includes four mini-tests of 30 to 40 questions for a specific number fact, such as the 2 times tables, dividing by 3 or number bonds to 100. This allows your students to practise that targeted skill on 4 separate occasions. Additionally, we have included missing number style questions to extend students understanding.
Easy Tracking
The front cover of each booklet indicates which number facts students will be practising. As students move through the booklet they colour in the numbered test indicated at the top of each speed test. This allows them to keep track of where they’re up to, plus teachers can take a quick glance and see how far into the booklet students have progressed.
A central area for recording
At the back of each booklet is a space for students to record their results for each test, including time and score. I find this extremely helpful in tracking student progress and the kids love seeing the improvements they make as they work on a specific number fact. More importantly, the students are only focused on their results and are not compared to each other.
Teacher data
The central recording area also allows the teacher to record this data for reporting purposes, as well as monitoring growth throughout the term or year. Rather than recording students individual time, I sometimes colour code their score by using a green pen for a time improvement, a black pen for no difference and a red pen for regression.
Use in a variety of ways
These booklets are great for lesson warm-ups, homework or as an activity in Math groups. I have also had students complete them during morning work. Individually, students use the timer function on the iPad and complete it at their own pace. At the front of the class, I have printed a series of answer booklets which they can use to mark their own work. Some students even like to mark each others’ booklets.
Student engagement
Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? The reason we have included a timed option is it provides students with immediate feedback on how they are progressing and ultimately motivates them to want to improve and do better. You may have some students who find timed tasks stressful so just remove that expectation for them. Ultimately, you know what is best for the students in your care.
Easy to construct
Admittedly, making something for the first time can take longer than expected but guaranteed by the second time of making these booklets you will be a pro.
Follow these simple steps: (Video included)
1. Print the cover page on coloured card.
2. Print the booklet pages double-sided.
3. Cut down the middle of the booklet pages
4. Place the left column on top of the right column.
5. Lastly, place cover page on the front and recording page on the back and staple.
What other educators have to say…
“I like that you have the students color in the task they mastered and having them fill in their results page together. Thanks for sharing this product.” Time to Learn
“Great to develop fluency!” Andrea
“My students loved these” Skye
“Thank you so much. My kids love doing these as a Maths warm -up each day” Samantha J
“Wonderful resource. Great for a quick assessment on fluency. I like that students can track their own progress.” Christine S
“Easy to use and students are very engaged! Great warm-up!” Brittney
“Great for differentiation too!” Scottish NQT
Once you get these booklets in action in your classroom, there is no arguing that your students will be asking for more!
We’ve collated all the booklets we have available in a Mega Bundle. Alternatively, we have smaller bundles for specific number operations, as well as booklets for individual sale. Check them out below:
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