Timed Drill
Learn
Timed drills help you solve math problems faster. When you practice with a timer, your brain gets better at remembering answers quickly!
Why Practice with a Timer?
- Build speed: The more you practice, the faster you get
- Build confidence: You learn to trust your answers
- Prepare for tests: Many tests have time limits
How to Do a Timed Drill
- Ask a grown-up to set a timer (try 2 minutes to start)
- Work through the problems as fast as you can
- Write your answers (or say them out loud)
- When time is up, check your answers
- Count how many you got right!
Tips for Success
Tip 1: Do not count on your fingers if you can help it. Try to picture the numbers in your head!
Tip 2: If you get stuck, skip it and come back later.
Tip 3: Take a deep breath before you start. You can do this!
Examples
Here is how a timed drill works. Try to answer each one in about 5 seconds:
Example: Quick Fire Round
3 + 2 = ?
Think fast! 5
Example: Quick Fire Round
8 - 1 = ?
Think fast! 7
Example: Quick Fire Round
5 + 4 = ?
Think fast! 9
Practice
Timed Drill Challenge! Ask someone to time you for 2 minutes. How many can you solve correctly?
-
2 + 3 = ___
Answer
5
-
7 - 2 = ___
Answer
5
-
4 + 5 = ___
Answer
9
-
10 - 3 = ___
Answer
7
-
6 + 2 = ___
Answer
8
-
9 - 4 = ___
Answer
5
-
1 + 8 = ___
Answer
9
-
11 - 5 = ___
Answer
6
-
3 + 6 = ___
Answer
9
-
8 - 5 = ___
Answer
3
-
5 + 5 = ___
Answer
10
-
12 - 6 = ___
Answer
6
How Did You Do?
- 10-12 correct: Super Star! You are a mental math whiz!
- 7-9 correct: Great job! Keep practicing to get even faster!
- 4-6 correct: Good start! Try the drill again tomorrow.
- 0-3 correct: No worries! Go back to the addition and subtraction lessons for more practice.
Check Your Understanding
Think about these questions:
- Why is it helpful to practice math with a timer?
- What should you do if you get stuck on a problem during a timed drill?
- How many problems did you get right in 2 minutes?
Show Sample Answers
- Timed practice helps you solve problems faster and builds confidence for tests.
- Skip it and come back to it later if you have time.
- Your answer will vary! The goal is to improve each time you practice.
Next Steps
- Try the timed drill again tomorrow - can you beat your score?
- Practice the problems you missed
- Move on to Review Mistakes to learn from errors