4 Powerful Math Fact Strategy Practice Tips
Tired of Rote Memorization? Try This Game-Changing Math Fact Strategy Practice
Are your students struggling to recall their addition facts with confidence? Instead of drilling flashcards until you both want to scream, let’s shift to math fact strategy practice that helps kids think, not just memorize.
One of my favorite strategies for building true fluency is the Doubles Plus One method. It’s intuitive, builds on foundational doubles, and makes students feel like math magicians when they finally “get it.”
Let’s walk through four tips to teach Doubles Plus One effectively—plus some fun tools and a freebie to bring the strategy to life in your classroom.
Why Strategy-Based Practice Works Better Than Rote Memorization
Students who only rely on memorization may initially seem fluent… until they hit more complex problems and stall. What they really need is flexible thinking and mental models.
That’s where derived fact strategies—like Doubles Plus One—shine. They encourage students to use what they already know (doubles) to figure out new problems (just add one more!).
By focusing on strategy, you're equipping students with lifelong tools, not just quick tricks.
What is the Doubles Plus 1 Strategy?
Adding doubles is a mental math strategy that can be used to quickly add numbers. To use this strategy, you take two numbers that are the same and add them together. For example, if you're adding 5 + 5, you would double 5 to get 10.
Read more about developing strong math fact fluency using mental math strategies.
I've got four tips for you to help your little learners master this strategy:
#1: REINFORCE the Doubles Facts
Before diving into Doubles Plus One, make sure students have their basic doubles down cold. Check out tips and resources for reviewing the Doubles here.
Examples of Doubles:
- 2 + 2 = 4
- 5 + 5 = 10
- 8 + 8 = 16
#2: Use the CRA Model + Math Mats to Scaffold Learning
We teach math best when we build understanding step by step. That’s exactly what the CRA Model does:
- Concrete: Students use manipulatives (cubes, counters, linking bears)
- Representational: They draw what they see (dots, tallies, pictures)
- Abstract: They write equations using numbers and symbols
The CRA Sequence of Instruction is an instructional model that leads students through 3 essential phases of learning math concepts: Concrete, Representational, and Abstract.
In the above diagram, we can see the ‘Doubles Plus 1' strategy progressing through the CRA model with the help of math mats:
CONCRETE: Students use hands-on, concrete objects.
REPRESENTATIONAL: Students draw shapes, x's, and o's, or tally marks to ‘represent' the concrete objects.
ABSTRACT: Students use numerals and equations to describe the concrete.
Let's take a closer look at using math mats to teach the ‘Doubles Plus 1' strategy.
CONCRETE:
Give the student many opportunities to practice the concept using a variety of manipulatives. We want to ensure students understand the concept in this Concrete phase before moving to the Representational phase.
REPRESENTATIONAL:
Students use the same math mat as was used in the Concrete phase.
Put it in a dry-erase pocket so the mat can be used with many of the ‘Doubles Plus 1' facts.
ABSTRACT:
This math mat makes it easy for your students to visualize the math situation and begin using digits and symbols to represent the ‘Doubles' strategy.
I love using these math mats because they provide the scaffolding that so many of our students need.
#3 Make It Memorable With a Chant + Movements
We all know students remember better when they MOVE. Combine rhythm and repetition with a chant like:
“Double five is ten… plus one makes eleven!”
Add in:
- Clapping on doubles
- Jumping or arm movements for the “plus one”
- Call-and-response style to engage the class
Want a ready-made chant?
(Download link below.)
This multi-sensory approach taps into kinesthetic AND auditory learning—so kids aren’t just reciting; they’re experiencing the math.
If you would like this FREE PowerPoint chant for your classroom – find a download link below.
#4 Differentiate Practice with Centers, Games, and Printables
The final key to math fact strategy practice? Repetition with variety. We want kids to see the strategy over and over—but in ways that don’t feel boring.
Now, let's explore some captivating activities to offer this essential independent practice to your students.
PARTNER GAMES
Try superhero-themed games that focus on specific mental math strategies. Perfect for small groups, early finishers, or math centers.
POKE CARDS
These give students instant feedback—no waiting for you! Use with or without recording sheets. Slide into a center or pair with a math mat.
FLASHCARDS
These flashcards are structured around the Part-Part-Whole model to foster a deeper understanding of number sense!
Many ways to use them:
- WHOLE GROUP: Partners Quiz (see in action)
- SEATWORK
- MATH CENTERS
- SEATWORK
- PARTNER WORK
COLOR-BY-CODE
Coloring meets math! These differentiated pages help students slow down and think while practicing.
Check here to learn more about color-by-code practice – and get a free sample!
PRINTABLES
Printable worksheets reinforce strategies with number bonds, puzzles, math stories, and hands-on tasks. No-prep, just print and go!
Math Fact Fluency Addition Printables – Mental Math Strategies
Equip Students with Mental Math Power
When we shift from drilling to strategic thinking, we’re helping students build a brain toolbox they’ll use all year long—and beyond.
Using the CRA model, movement, chants, and differentiated tools, you can teach Doubles Plus One in a way that sticks. Students will not only remember 5 + 6 = 11… they’ll understand why.
Get started today:
Download the FREE Doubles Plus One chant + practice pages, then check out the full product for engaging, no-prep activities your students will actually love.