Master Basic Facts

Follow these steps to use Talking Arithmetic Tutor to help students learn basic arithmetic facts:

1) Set the arithmetic operation and skill level.
Choose the Automatic mode. To learn the basic facts, choose the lowest levels in any operation.

2) Watch the demonstration.
In Automatic mode, have the tutor put up problems and the answer. In the lowest levels of addition and subtraction the tutor puts manipulables on the screen. Discuss how the numbers relate to the objects. Use other manipulables away from the computer to reinforce the demonstrations. For example, after watching the tutor add 3 balloons and 2 balloons, try the same demonstration with 3 pencils and 2 pencils on the desk.

3) Tell the answer to the problem.
When students are just learning the new arithmetic facts they should repeat what the tutor just showed them. For example, after watching the demonstration the student can repeat the fact that was just presented by saying ' Three plus one equals four.'

Once the student has had a chance to learn the facts, try these activities:

Test the facts.
Put a problem on the screen. Ask students to tell the answer before the tutor shows the answer. Compare the student's answer with the tutor's answer to make sure the student knows the fact. Keep track of the facts the student knows and does not know.

Practice specific facts.
It might be helpful to practice facts that the student does not know. Set the problem mode to manual. Enter a specific problem. (If you have been keeping a list of the facts the student does not know, use those facts.) Have the student try to answer. Then as you watch the tutor demonstrate how to answer, talk about the solution.

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