A Simple Clip Idea for Fluency

Are you looking for a simple and FUN way to work on fact fluency? I am always looking for fun and hands on ways to get my students working with math facts. The more ways little learners use math facts, the more times they have to turn these math problems into fluent math facts. I know you are going to love this simple clip idea for fluency.

Get Your Fluency Supplies

The supplies for this idea are so simple and cheap.
All you need to gather are:

-clothespins
–colored permanent markers in a variety of colors
-fun plates (I got mine at Dollar Tree for New Years.)

I loved these star plates from The Dollar Tree because I knew I covered the bossy r sounds and the st blend. I knew I could use these simple plates for either of these themes. You can use simple round plates as well. Just know you can use decorative plates as well. This star plate set had 8 sets per pack.

Paper Plate Themed Ideas

Please look for cheap plates. But I know teachers and I know you are wanting to see plate options so let me show you some options you could use AFTER you look for cheap plates.
( I am giving you plate links and ideas. Go for cheap plates please.)

Bear Plates for hibernation theme
Heart Plates for Valentines Day
Football Plates for Superbowl, Letter F, sport themed
Beach Ball Plates for Summer themed or Ocean theme
Rainbow Plates for March
Cloud Plates for weather, water cycle
Bunny Plates for April ro Easter
Really Cool Plates I think these are open ended and just really cool.

How to Prep This Simple Clip Idea for Fluency

First, start with one color permanent marker. I used red to start with, as shown above. I started by adding a smiley face in the middle of the plate to show the learners how to hold star. Then, I add the answers or solutions around each point. This star shape was super helpful to write the answers in each point.

Next, take the clothespins and added the addition problems to the clips, making sure to have a variety of math problems for each answer.

Finally, change the color of the permanent marker and grab another plate to start again. Whatever color you use on the plate, use the same color on the clips to make color coded games. This is easy to sort and easy to clean up for little learners.

How to Store This Activity

One factor that is important to many teachers is storage. How can I property store an activity between student use AND year to year? This simple clip fluency game is no different and we have an easy storage solution.

Place the plate and matching color coded clips inside a gallon sized baggie. I use one baggie per plate and clips instead of placing all the plates and clips inside one baggie. After we used this activity, I could place all the plates stacked together inside ONE baggie with all the clips if needed.

How Do Students Use This Fluency Game

I love to use these fluency games in small groups. This means I need to make one set per student in the small group. You may need 4 sets or 8 sets. Keep this in mind with your permanent colors.

I can also use these in independent student centers. Again, you can make one per student at that center.

We start by showing students how to play this fluency game. I also suggest showing students how to squeeze the clips because some students struggle with this. Next, we integrate this activity into the addition strategy we are working with. Students can use counters, ten frames, number lines, or fingers to add.

Soon, my students start to get fast. And we start to use these games to see who can complete them faster than others. This is just to start working on memorizing these math facts.

And of course we love to see our learners having FUN while adding.