Practice math strategies for 10 minutes after checking homework and before reviewing concepts learned the previous day. Engage in mental math activities every day if possible, but not less than once per week.
Ask students a series of addition and subtraction problems, and graduate to more complicated questions as their minds warm up and they demonstrate mastery by answering correctly. This can be done by calling on students to answer a particular question, by allowing students to volunteer to answer by raising a hand or standing, or by requiring students to write an answer to the question without working it out first on paper. The latter possibility allows teachers to gauge individual progress.
Demonstrate a new mental math concept visually, using a number chart or by writing rules or vocabulary words on the board. This provides students with a visual to help them remember.
Allow fifth-grade students to take notes in a math notebook that they can use as a reference until they memorize the information.
Require students who finish an assignments early to practice mental math games, individually or in groups. Create a math center with pre-made questions and games, or allow students to use computer programs that encourage the use of mental calculations.
Send home a list of pre-made, simple mental math questions for students to practice at home with a parent, sibling or friends. The Heartland Area Education Agency website provides a list of ready-made question to use free of cost.