Combining Explicit Strategy Instruction and Mastery Practice to Build Arithmetic Fact Fluency

Fast and accurate retrieval of basic arithmetic facts (i.e., fact fluency) and the ability to use fact knowledge efficiently are critical mathematical competencies that lay the foundation for estimation, problem solving, complex computation, rational number learning, and algebra (NMAP, 2008). Effective fact fluency instruction involves coordination of explicit strategy instruction and mastery practice (Woodward, 2006). This article provides examples of both instructional practices and explains how to combine explicit strategy instruction and a variety of mastery practice activities to support fluency development.