Basic Addition Fact Strategies
- “Zero the Hero” – any number + zero is the same number
- “Count On 1,2,3” – When adding any number plus a small number such as 1, 2, or 3, start with the larger number and count on to find the sum
- “Doubles” – adding 2 of the same numbers… kids memorize the combinations
- “Doubles +1” – adding a near double (ie. 7+8)... double the smaller number and add one more to the sum
- “Make a 10” – some number go together and make the number 10 such as 8 and 2, 7 and 3, etc… kids learn to recognize these facts
- “Nifty 9’s” - when adding 9 and another number… take one away from the other number to make the 9 into a ten, then add the easier problem. (ie. 9+7 becomes 10+6, an easier problem)
- “Easy 8’s” – similar to above, when adding an 8 with another number… take 2 away from the other number to make the 8 into a ten, then add the easier problem. (ie. 8+6 become 10+4)
If using flash cards, have student first determine what type of problem it is, then they can try to solve.
Example: 7+6… doubles +1 … the answer is 13.
Basic Subtraction Fact Strategies
- “Zero the Hero” – any number minus zero will be the same number.
- “Take it All” - any number minus the same number is 0
- “Count back 1,2,3” – when minusing a small number such as 1, 2, or 3, start with the bigger number and count backwards
- “Doubles” – use the double addition facts to help with related minus problems (ie. 18-9= or 14-7= think of the double + facts)