What is Mental Math?
When we work on students' mental math skills by using purposeful number talks in our classroom every day, then students' knowledge of basic math facts and flexible thinking about numbers and operations will improve.
Conceptual understanding of mathematics is developed through students exploration of mathematical ideas and consolidation of those ideas through purposeful teaching.
Conceptual understanding of mathematics is developed through students exploration of mathematical ideas and consolidation of those ideas through purposeful teaching.
What are the Benefits of Number Talks?
Students have the opportunity to:
- Clarify their own thinking
- Consider and test other strategies
- Investigate and apply mathematical relationships
- Build a repertoire of efficient strategies
- Make decisions about choosing efficient strategies for specific problems
Mental Math Strategies
Below are some mental math strategies for addition and subtraction. Included is the name of the strategy, a brief description and an example.