Complete Mental Math Strategies Anchor Chart in Grade 1

Master mental math strategies: number bonds, addition facts, and subtraction techniques through comprehensive anchor chart and visual learning aids.

Mental Math Strategies Anchor Chart: Examples 1 to 3
1 Counting On Strategy Anchor
Strategy 1
Counting On: Start with the larger number and count forward
Definition:

Counting On Strategy: Starting with the larger number and counting forward by the amount of the smaller number

Counting On Method:
  1. Identify the larger number (start number)
  2. Keep the larger number in your head
  3. Count forward by the smaller number
  4. Track each count with fingers or in your mind
Example
6 + 3
Start with 6
6
Count 3 more
7, 8, 9
Answer
9
Step 1: Identify the larger number

Between 6 and 3, 6 is larger, so we start with 6

Step 2: Keep 6 in your head

Think "6" and hold it in your mind

Step 3: Count forward 3 times

Count: 7 (that's 1), 8 (that's 2), 9 (that's 3)

Counting On Strategy
🧠
Hold 6
6
➡️
Count 3 more
7, 8, 9
✅
Final Answer
6 + 3 = 9
💡
Strategy
Start big, count small
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
6
7
8
9
6 + 3 = 9 (counting on: 6 → 7, 8, 9)
6
1
1
1
6 + 3 = 9
Final answer:

6 + 3 = 9

Mental Math Tip:

Always start with the bigger number when counting on. It's faster and easier to count a small number forward than a large number!

2 Making Tens Strategy Anchor
Strategy 2
Making Tens: Use 10 as a benchmark number to simplify addition
Definition:

Making Tens Strategy: Using the benchmark number 10 to simplify addition by breaking apart numbers strategically

Example
7 + 6
Make 10
7 + 3 = 10
Remaining
6 = 3 + 3
Answer
10 + 3 = 13
Step 1: Identify what's needed to make 10

From 7, we need 3 more to make 10

Step 2: Break apart the second number

Split 6 into 3 and 3 (because 3 + 3 = 6)

Step 3: Complete the calculation

(7 + 3) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13

Making Tens Strategy
🎯
Goal
Make 10
7️⃣
Start with 7
Need 3 more
🔄
Break 6
3 + 3
✅
Answer
10 + 3 = 13
7 + 6 = (7 + 3) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13
7
3
3
7 + 6 = 13
Final answer:

7 + 6 = 13

Mental Math Tip:

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!

3 Counting Back Strategy Anchor
Strategy 3
Counting Back: Start with the larger number and count backward
Definition:

Counting Back Strategy: Starting with the larger number and counting backward by the amount of the smaller number

Example
9 - 4
Start with 9
9
Count back 4
8, 7, 6, 5
Answer
5
Step 1: Start with the larger number

Begin with 9

Step 2: Count backward 4 times

Count: 8 (that's 1), 7 (that's 2), 6 (that's 3), 5 (that's 4)

Step 3: The result is the answer

9 - 4 = 5

Counting Back Strategy
🧠
Hold 9
9
⬅️
Count back 4
8, 7, 6, 5
✅
Final Answer
9 - 4 = 5
💡
Strategy
Subtract by counting back
9 - 4 = 5 (counting back: 9 → 8, 7, 6, 5)
9
1
1
1
1
9 - 4 = 5
Final answer:

9 - 4 = 5

Mental Math Tip:

For subtraction, count backward from the starting number. For addition, count forward!

Mental Math Strategies Anchor Chart: Complete Summary
Comprehensive Mental Math Guide
Key Definitions

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.

Core Principles

• 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

Mental Math Strategies

Addition:

1. Counting On: Start with the larger number and count forward

2. Making Tens: Use 10 as a benchmark for addition

3. Doubles Plus One: Use doubles facts to solve nearby problems

Subtraction:

4. Counting Back: Start with the larger number and count backward

5. Adding Up: Think of subtraction as finding a missing addend

6. Breaking Down: Decompose numbers for easier subtraction

Practice Techniques

Flashcards: Practice basic facts daily

Number Talks: Discuss different ways to solve problems

Games: Use math games to make practice fun

Common Challenges

• Getting overwhelmed with larger numbers

• Forgetting steps in multi-step problems

• Mixing up addition and subtraction

Success Factors

• Regular practice with basic facts

• Understanding the "why" behind strategies

• Flexibility in choosing approaches

Daily Mental Math Routine:

• Spend 5-10 minutes daily practicing mental math

• Start with easy problems and gradually increase difficulty

• Use multiple strategies to solve the same problem

Building Speed:

• Focus on accuracy first, then work on speed

• Practice number bonds until they become automatic

• Use visual imagery to help with calculations

Mental Math Strategies Anchor Chart
Counting On
Start big, count forward
Making Tens
Use 10 as benchmark
Counting Back
Start big, count backward
Doubles Plus One
Use known facts
Adding Up
Think subtraction as addition
Breaking Down
Decompose numbers
Tip 1: Use your fingers when starting out, but gradually move to mental visualization.
Tip 2: Practice "number talks" - explain your thinking out loud.
Tip 3: Use real-life situations: "If I have 6 cookies and eat 2, how many are left?"
Tip 4: Check your mental math by using a different strategy.
Tip 5: Celebrate progress - mental math skills develop over time!
\(a + b = \text{mental calculation}\)
Where mental calculation uses strategies like counting on, making tens, or counting back
Mental Math Strategies Anchor Chart: Examples 4 to 5
4 Doubles Plus One Strategy Anchor
Strategy 4
Doubles Plus One: Use known doubles facts to solve nearby problems
Definition:

Doubles Plus One Strategy: Using known doubles facts to solve problems where one number is one more than the other

Example
4 + 5
Think
4 + 4 + 1
Doubles Fact
4 + 4 = 8
Add One
8 + 1 = 9
Step 1: Recognize the relationship

5 is one more than 4, so we can use 4 + 4 and add 1

Step 2: Recall the doubles fact

4 + 4 = 8 (this should be memorized)

Step 3: Add the extra one

8 + 1 = 9

Doubles Plus One Strategy
🎲
Doubles
4 + 4 = 8
➕
Plus One
8 + 1 = 9
🎯
Original
4 + 5 = 9
💡
Strategy
Use known facts
4 + 5 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9
4
4
1
8
1
4 + 5 = 9
Final answer:

4 + 5 = 9

Mental Math Tip:

Memorize doubles facts (1+1, 2+2, 3+3, etc.) as they form the foundation for many other mental math strategies!

5 Adding Up Strategy Anchor
Strategy 5
Adding Up: Think of subtraction as finding the missing addend
Definition:

Adding Up Strategy: Thinking about subtraction as finding the missing addend in an addition problem

Example
12 - 7
Think
7 + ? = 12
Add to 10
7 + 3 = 10
Then to 12
10 + 2 = 12
Answer
3 + 2 = 5
Step 1: Change subtraction to addition

Instead of 12 - 7, think "what plus 7 equals 12?"

Step 2: Use making tens strategy

From 7, add 3 to make 10, then add 2 more to reach 12

Step 3: Add the amounts together

3 + 2 = 5, so 12 - 7 = 5

Adding Up Strategy
❓
Think
7 + ? = 12
🎯
Make 10
7 + 3 = 10
➡️
To 12
10 + 2 = 12
✅
Answer
3 + 2 = 5
12 - 7 = 5 (think: 7 + 5 = 12)
7
3
2
12 - 7 = 5
Final answer:

12 - 7 = 5

Mental Math Tip:

This strategy works well for subtraction problems where the numbers are close together. It's often easier than traditional subtraction!

Questions & Answers

Question: How can I use this anchor chart to help my child practice mental math strategies at home?

Answer: Here's how to use the anchor chart effectively:

  • Reference guide: Keep the chart visible during homework time
  • Strategy selection: Ask your child to point to the strategy they're using
  • Practice games: Create flashcards based on the strategies shown
  • Real-life connections: Point out when to use each strategy in daily activities

Encourage your child to verbalize which strategy they're using. This reinforces the learning!

Question: How can I make this anchor chart more engaging for my students?

Answer: Here are engagement strategies for anchor charts:

  • Interactive elements: Add pockets with strategy cards that students can manipulate
  • Student-created examples: Let students add their own examples to the chart
  • Color coding: Use different colors for addition vs subtraction strategies
  • Visual icons: Include memorable symbols and pictures for each strategy

Consider creating a digital version with animations that demonstrate each strategy!

Question: There are so many strategies! How do I know which one to use?

Answer: Here's how to choose the right strategy:

  • Look at the numbers: If one number is close to 10, try making tens
  • Check for doubles: If numbers are the same or close, use doubles
  • Start with counting on: This works for most addition problems
  • Practice makes choice easier: The more you practice, the better you'll get at picking the fastest strategy!

It's okay to try different strategies until you find the one that feels easiest for each problem!