Figuring Out Fluency - Multiplication and Division with Whole Numbers: A Classroom Companion

Because fluency practice is not a worksheet.

Fluency in mathematics is more than adeptly using basic facts or implementing algorithms. It is not about speed or recall. Real fluency is about choosing strategies that are efficient, flexible, lead to accurate solutions, and are appropriate for the given situation. Developing fluency is also a matter of equity and access for all learners. 

The landmark book Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning offered educators the inspiration to develop a deeper understanding of procedural fluency, along with a plethora of pragmatic tools for shifting classrooms toward a fluency approach. Now, teachers have the chance to apply that inspiration through explicit instruction and practice every day with the classroom companion Figuring Out Fluency: Multiplication and Division with Whole Numbers. With this book, teachers can:

• Dive deeper into the Significant Strategies for fluency explained in the anchor book
• Learn how these strategies grow from and relate to the basic fact strategies children learn 
• Access over 100 strategy-aligned and classroom-ready activities for fluency instruction and practice in multiplying and dividing multi-digit whole numbers, including worked examples, routines, games, and centers
• Find activities for assessing all components of multiplication and division fluency plus support for engaging families 
• Download all of the needed support tools, game boards, and other resources from the companion website for immediate implementation.

Give each and every student the knowledge and power to become skilled and confident mathematical thinkers and doers. 

John J. SanGiovanni is a mathematics coordinator in Howard County, Maryland. There, he leads mathematics curriculum development, digital learning, assessment, and professional development. John is passionate about growing new mathematics leaders in the district and through McDaniel College. In addition to the Figuring Out Fluency series, some of his many Corwin books include Daily Routines to Jump-Start Problem Solving, Grades K–8; Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Math; the Daily Routines to Jump-Start Math series; and Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance. John is a national mathematics curriculum and professional learning consultant who also speaks frequently at national conferences and institutes. He is active in state and national professional organizations, recently serving on the board of directors for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and on the board of directors for NCSM.

Jennifer M. Bay-Williams is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Louisville, where she teaches preservice teachers, emerging elementary mathematics specialists, and doctoral students in mathematics education. She has authored over 40 books and 100 journal articles/book chapters, many of which focus on procedural fluency and developing mathematical proficiency. Beyond the Figuring out Fluency series, these include Math Fact Fluency, and Everything you Need for Mathematics Coaching and Elementary: Teaching Developmentally and Middle School Mathematics. Jennifer′s national leadership includes NCTM Board of Directors, the TODOS: Mathematics for All Board of Directors, and as president and secretary of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE).

Rosalba Serrano is an elementary mathematics consultant in New York and is the founder of Zenned Math, where she provides online professional development and coaching for elementary mathematics teachers. Rosalba has used her experience as a classroom teacher and mathematics coach to support teachers in deepening their understanding of mathematics and their use of effective teaching practices.

A frequent speaker at both regional and national conferences, Rosalba is also active in mathematics organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, where she contributes to multiple committees. She has also worked as a professional development facilitator for various mathematics organizations and consults as a math editor for a number of publishing companies.