What’s the purpose of flashcards?

There’s 2 answers I frequently hear and only one I agree with.

  • Answer 1: help kids know/memorize their facts
  • Answer 2: help students build fluency through the automatization of strategy

I know how Tracy and many others answer this question.

One thing I love about our online community is our willingness to share, grow and learn together.  Here’s 2 different sets of cards you can use with your students and share with your parents to build true mathematical fluency.

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Multiplication Subitizing Cards                                                         Multiplication Array Cards


I’m still trying to figure out who was the genius behind the subitizing cards because they’re awesome.  Here’s a post how I’ve used the cards in class and with my daughter when she was in 2nd grade.

The multiplication array cards are great because they allow students to see and use the structure in number to build fluency.  Unfortunately, I had to place my name in the pdf not for credit because that’s not how we roll.  I don’t want them to make their way on Teachers Pay Teachers.  I created them to share for free and I want them to stay that way.

Steve Wyborney is also also another teacher who is firmly committed to sharing a ton of resources that build fluency.  Oh…and they’re free!  When you visit Steve’s site just drop him a line and tell him “thanks”.  The man is awesome!

As we dive into a new school year, fluency will always be a goal.  My hope is that we do it the way it was intended. From Memory” and Memorization: There is a Difference.

If you use these cards as a parent or teacher, please report back and share how it goes. All of us are smarter than one of us.