Error Analysis Boxes... A FREEBIE!

One reason students do not develop strong computational skills is they start making errors and those errors are not corrected early on.  Eventually they will think the wrong way is the right way, just because they got into a bad habit.  Walking around the room and hoping you spot the errors and give enough feedback is not enough practice.  Collecting work at the end of the period and grading it is not enough practice.  I was inspired to come up with an idea to stop that error cycle right in its tracks.  
My idea is called Error Analysis Boxes and you can download the template by clicking on the words.  It is appropriate to use with grades three and up.  Generally, I wouldn't use this with an entire class.  I designed it to work with a small group (say, intervention) that has not mastered a computational skill.  Here's how to use the template:
1.  Select any computation worksheet for any skill you want to teach.  Copy the worksheet and the template on separate pieces of paper, so students will use them side by side.  You will also need to give the students calculators to check their work.
2.  Students calculate the answer to problem one.  When they find the answer, they check it with their calculator.  If they got the answer correct, they make a smiley face in the first error analysis box.
3.  If they got the answer incorrect, they try to figure out why.  Some common computational errors are listed at the bottom of the template.  In the first box they write "I didn't _____________ ."    Then they write "Next time, I will _______________ ."  and fill in a computation strategy.  Again, useful strategies are listed on the template.
4.  Continue completing each problem in the same way.  As I "work the room" and observe the students, if I see the same error pattern (for example, they are always writing "I didn't regroup."), I encourage them to dig deeper.
Most students found out it was the little things they were forgetting.  Seeing that right in front of them in the error analysis boxes was priceless.
If you like this idea and want to see how I followed up with another just as clever, check out my  Common Core Differentiated Math Activities on Teacher Pay Teachers.

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