Math Facts

With the new Common Core State Standards, kindergarteners are expected to be fluent in math facts to 5 by the end of the year.  Right now, they might be using their fingers, but by June should only have to think briefly about the answer.  I tell the kids they should know the math facts like they know their sight words.
There are 42 facts to know (21 addition and 21 subtraction.)  By "math facts to 5," it means when adding, the sum (answer) won't be more than 5, and when subtracting, the first number won't be more than 5. While we have been practicing in class with objects (counters, fingers - anything!) good, old fashioned flash cards are a good way to build automaticity.