So I spent some time last night surfing around, trying to find some good, THINKING tasks for supporting students with mastering the basic facts. Let me tell you, it was a bit of a challenge. So much of what is available is simply drill in disguise – and drill is not helpful until students have effective conceptual understanding of the operations and strategies to use to solve the problems. (and just memorizing doesn’t count!)
Last night’s surfing did yield some applets and visual demonstrations, as well as a few number puzzles that require strategic thinking – and I have included them in the file attached here: mastering the facts
If you know of a great link, please send it along! There’s got to be something out there…
Mathematical Thinking 
this is fabulous. your technological wizardry amazes me! thanks for today…i will have fun playing. haven’t heard back from Anne yet re timing.
how about adding the BEAM parent and teacher resource website, though it is commercial, the stuff is good thinking math…
http://www.beam.co.uk/about/MoM/MoM.html