1. Dear Parents,
Math education has changed, and we want to help you understand how your child is learning math in
the classroom today. This letter is meant to communicate the importance of how students are
learning math facts and to ensure that parents/families are well informed and participate in the
mathematics learning experiences of the students. As you will see with the strategies listed
below, learning the basic addition and subtraction math facts is more than memorizing, it is
building number sense. As you work on math facts at home consider these strategies as they will
extend beyond the fact range to assist in everyday mental computation.
Addition:
1. Doubles Facts: 1+1=2, 2+2=4, 3+3=6 etc.
2. Doubles + one strategy: This strategy is used when numbers are next to each
other on the number line (neighbor numbers). The steps include:
1. Find the smaller number.
2. Double the smaller number
3. Then add 1.
Example: 5+4=4+4+1=9 or 4+4=8 then add 1=9
3. Partners of 10: Being fluent in all the facts that equal 10 will make adding
larger numbers easier. Example: 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, etc.
4. Make a Ten: Use this strategy to solve problems with larger addends (8+5=).
8
10 + 3 =
Mental Math Steps:
1. Think about 8+__=10.
2. Take the 2 and add it to 8 to make a 10.
3. Then think about the 5-2=3.
4. Then add 10+3=13
Another way to look at it: 8+5= 8+2+3=13. Since you know that 8+2 is 10, you can
take 2 out of 5 and give it to 8. Then add 10+3=13.

2. 5. Count on: Use this strategy only when adding 1, 2, and 3 to a number.
Steps:
1. Say the larger number.
2. Count up the smaller number
Example: 5+2= say 5, then say 6,7.
6. Commutative Property or Turn Around Facts: Use facts you know to solve
commutative facts.
Example: 5+3=8 then 3+5=8
Practice some of the Strategies below!
8 5 7 3 6 1 0 4
+2 +4 +3 +2 +5 +4 +6 +3
9 4 7 3 4 5 9 3
+7 +4 +1 +5 +8 +1 +6 + 7
8 3 2 3 9 4 6 8
+7 +4 +3 +4 +8 +8 +6 +2
7 2 9 2 5 5 9 3
+7 +2 +1 +5 +8 +5 +9 + 3