- It builds student confidence and fluency through repetition.
- Math learning is cumulative: mastery of foundational skills like fractions and decimals to progress to advanced topics like algebra.
- In most of the US (and in Ames), by 6th grade, students with high scores on tests are sent to a different, more advanced, math class than others. Being in the advanced group means the student can get more math courses done by 12th grade, this is becoming an unsaid requirement for STEM college.
- How Much Practice Is Recommended?
CyMath recommends the following weekly math practice guidelines: - Grades 3–4: ~15 minutes per session (4-5 days a week or 1-1.5 hours per week)
- Grades 5–7: 30–45 minutes per session (4-5 days a week or 2-2.5 hours per week)
- Grade 8 and above: ~60 minutes per session (4-5 days a week or 3-5 hours per week)
- These time frames balance skill reinforcement with student well-being and attention span.
If you need an editable copy, please email Prof. Namrata Vaswani
- Free Resources
- Khan Academy: free and best starting point for all students
- K5 Learning: free worksheets that can be printed
- Beestar – free 20-problem worksheets, two each week; Math problems are more challenging and fun
- Paid Resources
- Workbooks: Many quality workbooks are available online or in stores; no single option is perfect for every student.
Kumon Word Problems (Grades 3–5): Focused practice on problem-solving skills.
Primary Grade Challenge Math: Enrichment for students seeking additional challenges.
ALKS: An adaptive online platform used by CyMath to support students at varied math levels, especially effective for large groups- Beast Academy: A highly engaging online program popular among families seeking advanced, concept-rich math instruction.
- Art of Problem Solving (Grades 6–12): Excellent resources for middle and high school students. We recommend browsing the website to find suitable titles and purchasing used copies when possible. Suggested titles: Prealgebra, Introduction to Algebra.
- Understanding i-Ready and ISASP Assessments
- i-Ready Assessment: Administered three times per year: September, January, and May
ISASP (Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress): Typically administered in April.
- Tips for Adaptive Tests (like i-Ready):
- i-Ready Assessment: Administered three times per year: September, January, and May
- Encourage students to work slowly and think carefully—answers usually cannot be changed.
- Performing well on the initial questions helps unlock more challenging (and higher-value) questions later.
- Harder questions typically contribute more points, so thoughtful pacing matters.
- Use the time wisely- Acceleration [ELP]
- Test Prep Online: This is a site to purchase MAP (similar to iReady) Prep Materials. On this page, you will find a sample question for each grade level and below that (beneath the pink button) there is a link to additional sample questions for each grade. Clinking there will give you access to about 10 sample questions with answer explanations.
- Grade-Level Assessment Practice Grade 3: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released this practice math test for 3rd graders. It features 44 questions on a paper test (would need to be printed out) and does not include an answer key.
- Grade-Level Assessment Practice Grade 4: Same as above, but for 4th graders.
- Grade-Level Assessment Practice Grade 5: Same as above, but for 5th graders.
- Math Minds Unite at the Ames Public Library
- Math Circles at Iowa State University
- Math Counts Club and math Olympiads Club at the Ames Middle School