Before you start
Seven short mental-maths games, cut-out number cards and answers for family practice without a race against the clock.
Play to understand
Prepare paper and a few small objects. Start with one game. The child may count, draw or explain aloud. Look for a clear method before trying to get faster.
1. Make ten
Use 6, 3, 8 and 5. What must you add to each to make 10?
2. The hidden number
? + 7 = 12 | 14 - ? = 9
These activities support regular practice; they do not measure a child’s level on their own.
Make the sums practical
3. The little shop
One item costs 7 MAD and another costs 5 MAD. You pay with 20 MAD. How much change should you receive?
4. Doubles and halves
Find double 4, double 7, half of 12 and half of 18.
The shop prices are fictional. Use counters or paper rather than real money.
Explain your method
5. Bridge through ten
Calculate 8 + 5 by splitting 5 into 2 and 3. Then use the same method for 9 + 4.
6. True or false?
6 + 7 = 13 | 15 - 8 = 8 | 9 + 9 = 18
7. Target number
Use 3, 5 and 2 once each, with + and -, to make 10. Then write the same calculation in a different order.
Ask: “How did you work it out?” Two correct methods may be different. If the child gets tired, stop and return another time.
Check your answers
| Game | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Make ten | 4, 7, 2, 5 |
| 2. The hidden number | 5, 5 |
| 3. The little shop | 7 + 5 = 12; 20 - 12 = 8 MAD |
| 4. Doubles and halves | 8, 14, 6, 9 |
| 5. Bridge through ten | 8 + 2 + 3 = 13; 9 + 1 + 3 = 13 |
| 6. True or false? | True, false (the answer is 7), true. |
| 7. Target number | 3 + 5 + 2 = 10; 5 + 2 + 3 = 10 |
Cut-out cards: shuffle the numbers and pick two to create an addition or a subtraction with a positive answer.
Mental arithmetic
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