Counting On Strategy: Starting with the larger number and counting forward by the amount of the smaller number
- Identify the larger number (start number)
- Keep the larger number in your head
- Count forward by the smaller number
- Track each count with fingers or in your mind
Between 5 and 3, 5 is larger, so we start with 5
Think "5" and hold it in your mind
Count: 6 (that's 1), 7 (that's 2), 8 (that's 3)
5 + 3 = 8
Always start with the bigger number when counting on. It's faster and easier to count a small number forward than a large number!
Making Tens Strategy: Using the benchmark number 10 to simplify addition by breaking apart numbers strategically
From 8, we need 2 more to make 10
Split 5 into 2 and 3 (because 2 + 3 = 5)
(8 + 2) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13
8 + 5 = 13
Practice number bonds to 10 until they become automatic. Knowing pairs that make 10 (1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5) will make this strategy fast and effective!
Counting Back Strategy: Starting with the larger number and counting backward by the amount of the smaller number
Begin with 10
Count: 9 (that's 1), 8 (that's 2), 7 (that's 3)
10 - 3 = 7
10 - 3 = 7
For subtraction, count backward from the starting number. For addition, count forward!
Mental Math: Performing mathematical calculations in your head without writing anything down or using tools.
Number Bonds: Pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total, especially 10.
Strategies: Different approaches to solving math problems mentally.
• Use Benchmarks: Use 10 as a reference point since it's easy to work with
• Start Big: Begin with the larger number when adding
• Break Down: Split numbers into smaller, more manageable parts
1. Counting On: Start with the larger number and count forward
2. Making Tens: Use 10 as a benchmark for addition
3. Counting Back: Start with the larger number and count backward
4. Doubles Plus One: Use doubles facts to solve nearby problems
Flashcards: Practice basic facts daily
Number Talks: Discuss different ways to solve problems
Games: Use math games to make practice fun
• Getting overwhelmed with larger numbers
• Forgetting steps in multi-step problems
• Mixing up addition and subtraction
• Regular practice with basic facts
• Understanding the "why" behind strategies
• Flexibility in choosing approaches
• Spend 5-10 minutes daily practicing mental math
• Start with easy problems and gradually increase difficulty
• Use multiple strategies to solve the same problem
• Focus on accuracy first, then work on speed
• Practice number bonds until they become automatic
• Use visual imagery to help with calculations
Doubles Plus One Strategy: Using known doubles facts to solve problems where one number is one more than the other
6 is one more than 5, so we can use 5 + 5 and add 1
5 + 5 = 10 (this should be memorized)
10 + 1 = 11
5 + 6 = 11
Memorize doubles facts (1+1, 2+2, 3+3, etc.) as they form the foundation for many other mental math strategies!
Strategy Selection: Choosing the most efficient mental math strategy based on the numbers involved
7 + 4: Since 4 is small, counting on from 7 is efficient
Start with 7 and count 4 more: 8, 9, 10, 11
7 + 4 = 11
7 + 4 = 11
With practice, you'll automatically select the most efficient strategy. Always consider which approach will be fastest and easiest for the specific numbers!