Mathematics 

‘Mental computation is a calculation performed entirely in the head, with only the answer being written.’ - McIntosh, A. (2005)

Mental computation strategies are a prerequisite for students to complete formal algorithms and is the basis of most calculations. We use mental computation strategies all day long without even realising it. They are used when cooking, working out how long a car trip is going to take and when buying items at the shops. This is why it is important to continue to develop and practise our skills regularly.

Here is a game that you may like to play at home with children from any year level. There are numerous variations of the game so you can focus on counting forwards or backwards or skip counting by various numbers such as 2s, 3s, 100s or even fractions. See if your child can problem solve and come up with a strategy to reach the target number.

The Counting Game - Mental Computation

For 2 or more players

Aim: To build mental computation strategies when counting forwards and backwards by different amounts (skip counting).

Materials: Paper and 2 different coloured pens

How to Play:

1. Choose a target number that you aim to reach.
2. Choose if you are counting forwards or backwards and by how much (eg. counting by 1s or skip counting by 2, 3, 5, 100 etc.).
3. The first player writes down 1, 2 or 3 numbers in the sequence. The second player then continues on the number pattern by writing either 1, 2 or 3 numbers.
4. The player who lands on the target number is the winner.

Don’t forget to click on this link to see more Maths activities and games that your family can do at home: St James World Maths Day

Jess Conway and Bridie Slater

Mathematics Leaders