Resist!: Tips, Short-cut... | Mental Math Kids Can't

Making math feel like a game rather than a chore is the "secret sauce" for helping kids master numbers. When kids realize they can solve problems faster than a calculator can be turned on, their confidence skyrockets.

Use physical items like LEGO bricks or Cheerios to show why doubling and halving works.

If the middle sum is 10 or more (like 87 x 11), just carry the "1" to the first digit! 3. The "Doubling and Halving" Method Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips, Short-cut...

Take the two-digit number, split the digits, and put their sum in the middle. Example: 35 x 11 Split the 3 and the 5: 3 _ 5 Sandwich the 8 in the middle: 385

At a restaurant, ask them to mentally calculate the 10% or 20% tip before you look at the receipt. Making math feel like a game rather than

It’s great for any problem involving a 5 or an even number. 4. "Front-End" Addition

Cut one number in half and double the other. The answer stays the same. Example: 14 x 5 Half of 14 is 7. Double of 5 is 10. . (Much easier than 14 x 5!) If the middle sum is 10 or more

Give the kid the "trick" and give yourself a calculator. Race to see who gets the answer first. (Let them win!)