Multiplication Packs

Using the same style idea of my literacy kits (you can read about that post here), I created two multiplication and division kits to send home with my 3rd graders to help them build up their fact power. I had this idea earlier in the year but I just didn't get around to it until Spring break. I'm so glad that I did! My class is loving all of the different activities that make that ol' drill and kill practice a little more engaging. I didn't want to purchase any more of those great plastic backpacks from Really Good Stuff so I grabbed the reusable grocery bags from Target for $1.00 each. Then I made big tags for each bag, laminated them, punched a whole through one corner and hung it on the handle with a binder ring.

 I unpacked the kits to snap some picture samples of what I included in them. I have laminated games I made, some from a Lakeshore Learning math game book that I had, some from the Everyday Math program I use, tile games from Really Good Stuff, fact triangles and lace up fact rings.

 In each multiplication pack, I included a folder with a informational letter for parents as well as directions for the various activities. You can see a flipped over sheet of white paper in the pocket as well-that is my class list. After one student uses the kit for a few days, they check off their name and pass it on to the next student on the list. This is an easy way to keep the packs moving without having to check them in each time. Every now and then I do a check to see where they are and to check the inventory. If you teach younger graders, you could create fact power kits for addition and subtraction. You may need to check them in and out yourself though.

Directions to the activities in one of the kits

Here is a copy of the letter and directions I included with my kits. Hopefully you can use these, or just use them as a starting point for creating some kits for your kiddos. Keep scrolling down in google docs for the directions...I don't know why I didn't realize there was a blank piece of paper there.  Have a great weekend...I don't have school Friday so I am planning a jammy filled, blog reading morning where I actually consume a cup of coffee in its entirety!