I typically start Monster Math with my first graders around Thanksgiving (November). I have found this works best, because the beginning of the year craziness has passed and the kids are mentally ready for a new, fresh challenge.
For WEEK 1, I have all the kids start with +0 facts. I send the parent letter and packet (shown above) to the parents at the start of the week. It explains the program in detail and provides practice flashcards for the kids.
On Friday of the first week, all the kids take the +0 fact test. They answer the facts as quickly as possible and I teach them to use the extra time on the clock to GO BACK and check their answers. I set a timer on my phone and hit start.
NOW- if the kids have been stuck on a week (+7 for example which can be harder) I sometimes “pause” the minute on my phone to give them a bit of extra time.) I want the kids to feel successful, so change the time as needed!
After the minute timer goes off, I have the kids lift their tests in the air so I know they aren’t going beyond the time (by putting it above their head- it allows me to quickly scan the room). They then stand up with their tests and get in a number line up (all of my kids are assigned a number so this makes it easy to have all the tests in order. 🙂 I collect all of the tests and we go about our day. It is FAST and EASY.