Mental Cherries

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a mental math exercise consisting of several cherries on stems, with each pair of cherries representing numbers that are ten less and ten more than the central number written on the cherry in the middle. The students’ task is to write the number that is ten less on the left cherry and the number that is ten more on the right cherry for each set. The central numbers are a mix of two-digit numbers, and the worksheet includes multiple sets to provide ample practice. At the bottom, there is a section for students to evaluate how well they did with a range of smiley faces from sad to happy.

The worksheet is teaching students to mentally calculate numbers that are ten less and ten more than a given number, a key concept in understanding place value and numerical patterns. It encourages students to practice mental arithmetic, enhancing their ability to quickly and accurately perform basic calculations without the aid of a calculator or number line. This activity also aims to increase the students’ number sense, which is fundamental to their mathematical development. Additionally, the self-assessment portion at the bottom helps students to develop the ability to evaluate their own work critically.