In this course, learners will engage with a program that helps them become math whizzes by using different strategies. They'll practice basic math facts using lots of tools like number lines, ten frames, and dice. By trying out different methods over and over, they'll get really good at math facts. For example, they'll learn addition facts that add up to 10 by filling in ten frames, estimating with diagrams, and discovering patterns on a special counting tool called a rekenrek.

When it comes to multiplication, they'll learn tricks like halving the facts for 5 by knowing the ones for 10, using what they know about clocks, and hopping along a number line. It's all about finding different ways to understand and remember the math!

In MathFactLab, learners spend between 5 to 20 minutes in each session, with the default set at 12.5 minutes. I have the power to decide how long these sessions should be using the teacher dashboard.

To make sure kids really excel, I suggest they do at least three sessions every week. Learners will be prompted, supported, guided and provided additional resources to master facts, outside of the FactLab platform, as the navigate through the lessons. Even though they can do more than one session in a day, it's been proven that spreading them out, or spacing them, helps them learn better.

In MathFactLab, learners move through different stages and levels as they progress. Each stage has many levels, which means there are lots of small steps for learners to take and feel proud of their progress.

Even though MathFactLab covers more than just the basics, it's really important for learners to master those basic math facts first. The advanced stages are like extra challenges, great for boosting mental math skills and keeping kids interested in math, but they're not as essential as mastering the basics.

The advanced stages also give all students, not just those working on basic facts, a chance to dive deeper into math. Just remember, before they tackle the advanced multiplication and division stages, it's best for learners to be really good at the advanced addition and subtraction stages.

For addition and subtraction, there are 17 levels split into 4 stages. And for multiplication and division, there are 25 levels split into 4 stages.

When learners start using FactLab, they take a quick test to see where they're at. This test follows the levels of the program, starting from the easiest and moving up. Depending on whether they're focusing on addition or multiplication first, they'll start there. If they get five questions wrong or take too long to answer five times, that part of the test stops, and they move on to the next operation (like subtraction or division).

Before they start the test, they type in some two-digit numbers. How quickly they type can help teachers figure out how fast they need to be at answering math questions. If they're slower than usual, they might need a slower pace.

Sometimes learners make mistakes, so they get a second chance if they answer incorrectly or slowly. This helps make sure they're put in the right level of the program. They start FactLab at the level where they've made three mistakes.