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V. Computational (Operational) Fluency

"Computational fluency refers to having efficient and accurate methods for computing. Students exhibit computational fluency when they demonstrate flexibility in the computational methods they choose, understand and can explain these methods, and produce accurate answers efficiently. The computational methods that a student uses should be based on mathematical ideas that the student understands well, including the structure of the base-ten number system, properties of multiplication and division, and number relationships." 

Source: NCTM: Principles and Standards fpr School Mathematics

Thinking Flexibly About Operations 

Teachers in SD72 support students’ progress towards operational fluency using a developmental approach to math instruction. Routines like Number Talks, Esti-Mysteries, My Favorite No! and Thin Slicing can help build student confidence and cross-curricular competencies (like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills). As we strive for a balance between conceptual understanding and procedural skill with mathematical practices, we design our plans, our instruction, and our assessments with an understanding that there is a very strong connection between what students know and understand and what they can do. 

Prompts to encourage flexible thinking and sense making: 1750264729692.png

Fluency-Building Routines and Resources

There are many books and websites that can help teachers who are looking to expand their repertoire of numeracy instructional strategies and routines.

Teachers can sign out kits and professional resources for numeracy instruction from the Education Centre, located at the School Board Office. This includes print resources from Carole Fullerton, Dr. Marion Small, Peter Liljedahl and others. For details about in-district numeracy resources, refer to the complete Numeracy Resources and Kits List. 


Resource Description
Resource Links
1Spreadsheet with descriptions of numeracy kits and other resources, includes call numbers 
Numeracy Resources and Kits SD72 Ed Centre
2Math vocabulary words for a classroom word wall
Printable Word Wall
3Interactive menu that includes descriptions and links to recommended tools for teaching numeracy concepts (Grades K-5) High-Yield Routines and Resources Numeracy Elementary K-5
4Interactive menu that includes descriptions and links to recommended tools for teaching numeracy concepts (Grades 6-8) High-Yield Routines and Resources Numeracy Middle 6-8
5Interactive menu that includes descriptions and links to recommended tools for teaching numeracy concepts (Grades 9-12) High-Yield Routines and Resources Numeracy Secondary 9-12
6A collection of over 40 Thinking Tasks (intended for Middle School)
Teaching Through Problems Worth Solving Grade 8
7aEarly numeracy mat for sorting number cards, dot cards, ten frame images, etc. 
Fact Bowls Template (11 x 17)
7bEarly numeracy resource for building numbers to 10 and 15 (Kindergarten, Grade 1) made by Mary Deagle
"Shake and Make" 10-Frames Powerpoint
8A complete set of number sense and operational fluency templates and rubrics, based on the SD33 SNAP assessment (adapted for the current BC math curriculum K - 9) SNAP Math Assessment Keystone
9aRecommended diagnostic activities from the First Steps in Math Resource (connected to the BC curricular content for Math K - 9) 
First Steps in Mathematics Suggestions by Grade
9bMulti-grade fluency trajectory (rubric style) for number sense and operational fluency
Foundational Numeracy & Operational FluencyTrajectory
9cMulti-grade proficiency trajectory for measurement concepts and competencies (K-12) Measurement in Mathematics Trajectory K-12
9dMulti-grade proficiency trajectory for mathematical modelling concepts and competencies (K-12) Mathematical Modelling Trajectory K-12
9eA companion to the Common Formative Numeracy Assessment (K-9), this resource provides suggested activities and routines to target specific skills and concepts at each grade level.
Instructional Guidance for Building Fluency K-9


Fluency-Building Games and Puzzles 

Game-based learning is a great way to engage students in exploring math concepts.

Recommended Numeracy Games and Puzzles

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