Short-cut... — Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips,

Give the kid the "trick" and give yourself a calculator. Race to see who gets the answer first. (Let them win!)

If the middle sum is 10 or more (like 87 x 11), just carry the "1" to the first digit! 3. The "Doubling and Halving" Method Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips, Short-cut...

Most kids struggle with numbers that require "carrying" or "borrowing." Friendly numbers make those problems disappear. Give the kid the "trick" and give yourself a calculator

Round one number to the nearest ten to make it "friendly," solve the problem, and then adjust. Example: For 38 + 25 , turn 38 into 40 (by adding 2). The Math: . Now, take away that extra 2 you added earlier. Example: For 38 + 25 , turn 38 into 40 (by adding 2)

Use physical items like LEGO bricks or Cheerios to show why doubling and halving works.

At a restaurant, ask them to mentally calculate the 10% or 20% tip before you look at the receipt.