Memorizing math facts often doesn't work for a struggling student. Using math strategies can give the student a tool to deal with basic math facts. There are seven basic strategies:

1. Count up - if the number that is being added-on is less than 5 have the student use the points on the number to aid them as they count up.
2. Count down - if the number that is being subtracted is less than 5 have the student use the points on the number to aid them as they count down.
3. Related fact - use a math fact they already know to solve a math fact they don't know. eg., 7 + 6, use 6 + 6 = 12, so 7 + 6 = 13.
4. Regroup - rearrange the addition numbers, eg., 8 + 6 = 7 + 7 = 14.
5. Magic nine - for subtracting 9s, use the magic nine trick which is to add the top two numbers together. eg., 16 - 9 = (1 + 6) = 7
6. Math ladder - for two-digit minus one-digit numbers
7. Doubles - there are five doubles students should memorize, these can then be used as a related fact. eg., 5+5=10, 6+6=12, 7+7=14, 8+8=16 and 9+9=18

See our Math Worksheet Overview page.

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