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Students who practice mental math make calculations in their minds without the guidance of pencil and paper, calculators or other aids. Mental math is often used as a way to calculate and estimate quickly, using math facts that
- Counting on
- Near Doubles
- Compatible Numbers
- Partitioning
- Estimating
You’ve seen students counting on, perhaps using fingers in the early stages. The key part of this strategy is to start with the larger number of the two numbers and “count on” the smaller number.For example, if you were adding 4 + 7, you would start with the larger number (7) and then count on 4: 8, 9, 10, 11. Counting on from the larger numbers is...
If your students have mastered their doubles facts, they are ready for near doubles. We use this mental math strategy to add two consecutive numbers, such as 5 and 6. If children know that 5 + 5 = 10, getting to 5 + 6 = 11 isn’t too much of a jump. Use a number line to show students that 5 + 6 is the same as 5 + 5 + 1. Then ask students to try with...
Compatible numbers produce a “tidy sum,” one that usually ends in zero, or multiples of 10, when they are added together.For example, 8 and 2 are compatible because they add up to 10 (end in zero). Also, 40 and 60; 12 and 8; 28 and 42 are also compatible numbers because they add up to a multiple of ten. Once you’ve explained the concept, give stude...
If you modeled near doubles as 5 + 6 is the same as 5 + 5 + 1, you’ve already introduced partitioning. When we use partitioning we break numbers into parts to make the math simpler.For example, take 5 + 18. What happens if we break it down (often using compatible numbers) to make it easier to solve? Write this example on the board: 5 + 18 Explain t...
Estimation is important because it helps us judge whether an answer is reasonable.We use a number of skills to estimate including rounding, finding compatible numbers, compensating and using benchmarks. Rounding is a way of simplifying numbers to make them easier to work with.Students need to know what they are rounding to (the nearest 10th? The ne...
Response time is an effective way for teachers to see if students can use the mental math and estimation strategies efficiently and to determine if students have automaticity of their facts. For the facts, your goal is to get a response in 3-seconds or less.
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Sep 23, 2024 · The mental math strategies children should know by the end of 5th grade. By upper elementary there are some specific mental math calculations that will help children immeasurably when working in both written work and mental work, arithmetic and reasoning.
Introduce the notes on mental math. Have students practice problems with and without using their mental math strategies to check for accuracy. Use the additional resources to enhance understanding. Have students practice problems while explaining their reasoning out loud. Follow Activity page with students.
Today I discuss five core mental math strategies students should know. I also share some fun games and activities you can use to teach them.
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Nov 9, 2020 · Here are six mental math strategies to teach your students. You’ll give them the confidence to put their calculator away and start solving problems under their own steam! 1. Rounding up to the nearest ten. Working in lots of 10 makes addition and subtraction that much easier, because there’s no borrowing or carrying required.
