Teaching mental math to young students can sometimes feel like herding cats—some kids catch on quickly, while others get lost the moment numbers start flying around. But mental math isn’t just about speed; it’s about developing number sense, confidence and problem-solving skills. When kids have strong mental math strategies, they can tackle math problems without always relying on fingers or written calculations. Using mental math examples, like breaking numbers apart or estimating sums, helps students see patterns and improve their ability to solve problems quickly in their heads.
What is Mental Math?
Mental math is the ability to solve math problems in your head without using a calculator, paper or fingers. It’s not about speed drills or memorising facts—it’s about understanding numbers and using strategies to work with them efficiently. Think about estimating a grocery bill in your head or quickly figuring out how much change you’ll get after a purchase. These everyday skills start with mental math strategies learned in the early years of school.
Why Do Students Need Mental Math Skills?
Strong mental math skills help students in more ways than just solving equations. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Builds Number Sense – Kids learn to understand how numbers relate to each other, not just memorise answers.
- Encourages Flexible Thinking – Instead of rigidly following steps, students learn different ways to solve problems.
- Speeds Up Everyday Calculations – From counting money to measuring ingredients, mental math is useful beyond the classroom.
- Boosts Confidence in Math – When students can solve problems on their own, they feel more capable and less anxious about math.
7 Mental Math Strategies for Primary Students
Here’s a breakdown of mental math strategies based on the Australian National Numeracy Learning Progressions, with examples that make them easy to teach and fun to practice.
1. I Can Count Items
Before kids can manipulate numbers, they need to recognise quantities. Start with hands-on activities like counting blocks, beads or even snack pieces. Example: "Look at these five apples. How many are there?"
2. I Can Count Items One at a Time to Add/Subtract
At this stage, students learn that adding means counting forward, and subtracting means counting backward. Use real-life examples, like lining up toy cars and asking, “If we add two more, how many do we have now?”
You might like to check out The Hive's digital learning tools - there are a variety of different counting and subitising tools to help support your students as they are learning to count items one at a time to add and subtract.
3. I Can Count Hidden Items
This level strengthens visualisation skills. Hide some counters under a cup and ask, “There were six here, and I hid two. How many are left?” This helps students grasp that numbers still exist even when they can’t see them.
4. I Can Count On and Back to Add and Subtract
Rather than starting from one, students learn to count on from a number. Example: "You have 7. Now count on 3 more: 8, 9, 10!" The same works for subtraction by counting backward.
Dominoes can be a great scaffold for students as they are learning to count on or back. Students can cover one part of the domino, and point to the remaining dots as they count on or back.
5. I Can Use Flexible Strategies to Ten
This is where the magic happens! Kids learn to make tens to simplify math. Example: "8 + 6? Well, 8 + 2 makes 10, and there are 4 left, so 10 + 4 = 14." Ten frames and number bonds are great tools for this.
Ten frames and number bonds are great tools for this. You might like to check out The Hive's ten frames digital learning tool!
6. I Can Use Flexible Strategies with Two-Digit Numbers
Students begin breaking numbers apart to make math easier. Example: "46 + 28? Break it into (40 + 20) and (6 + 8), so we get 60 + 14 = 74."
Number lines and base-ten blocks help with this concept. The Hive has digital learning tools to help support you with this as well - the Base 10 Blocks App can even bundle and unbundle groups of ten!
7. I Can Use Flexible Strategies with Three-Digit Numbers
Now, students apply the same strategies to bigger numbers. Example: "325 + 476? Break it into hundreds, tens, and ones: (300+400), (20+70), and (5+6), then add step by step."
Making Mental Math Fun
The key to success is practice — but that doesn’t mean endless worksheets. Try these ideas:
Math Talks – Encourage students to explain how they solved a problem and compare different strategies. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and learn from each other’s approaches.
The Hive's Number of the Day is a GREAT way to incorporate daily math talks into your classroom routine!
Games & Challenges – Make math fun with flashcards, dice or math games. These activities reinforce key skills while keeping students engaged and motivated.
Real-Life Math – Show students how math applies to everyday life by having them add up scores in a game, count snacks, or estimate costs while shopping. This makes math more meaningful and practical.
With the right strategies and plenty of practice, students will gain confidence in mental math—and maybe even start to love it!
Looking for more?
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