Mental Math Strategies Task Cards: Think & Solve

While teaching second grade for 10 years, I noticed that kids really struggled with their math facts to 20 in both addition and subtraction. They counted on their fingers and needed concrete objects to solve simple facts. They had a hard time memorizing the facts and made careless errors. Once I started teaching students mental math strategies, they were able to add and subtract with less errors and frustration. This even helped them to learn how to multiply and divide with ease. I created this product based on exactly what students need to feel successful in learning, understanding and practicing mental math strategies in addition and subtraction to 20.

This product includes:

•Two mental math strategies reference sheets for teacher and students –Addition mental math strategies and subtraction mental math strategies.

•Think and Solve Mental Math Task Cards– this includes 4 task cards for each math strategy (68 cards) Students think about which strategy they can use to solve either the addition or subtraction math fact (there could be more than one strategy used to solve). They solve and write the strategy on the card. Laminate for reuse.

•Make Your Own Think and Solve Task Cards– Includes 4 templates (2 addition girl/boy and 2 subtraction girl/boy) so students can create their own task cards and swap with a partner to solve. Great for a small group activity, math center activity, exit ticket, etc.

I hope this resource helps your students practice and apply math strategies, and build their math muscles to become strong, confident mathematicians.

This is a digital download (PDF).

From my classroom to yours…Enjoy!

Purchasing this product grants permission for use by one teacher in his or her own classroom. If you intend to share with others, please purchase an additional license for the desired product.