Around Grade 5/6

This week in Grade 5/6 : Mental Mathematics

‘Mental Mathematics’ refers to a calculation that is performed mentally, without the aid of a calculator, pen or paper.  As adults, we use mental mathematics every day, often without realising it. Although many of us now carry calculators, either on our phones or smart watches, having a strong mental mathematical ability is a key foundation for establishing a solid understanding of mathematical operations and calculations. 

This week, Grade 5/6 have been working on developing strategies to perform addition and subtraction methods mentally.  Although there are many different ways to perform a calculation, we expose students to a handful of effective and reliable strategies that students can keep in their ‘maths toolkit’.  These main strategies include the split, jump and compensation method.  So next time your child works out a calculation mentally or attempts to solve a problem, try asking them what strategy they are using and ask if they can explain their thinking to you.