Mental math is part of everyone’s math skills. This means figuring the problem in our head – not on paper. This card game called “Twenty-Five” is a great way to practice adding and subtracting in our heads.

• Make 3 sets of numbers, 1 to 9 on index cards (27 cards total)
• Shuffle the cards and deal all of them face down between two players
• First player turns over a card from his pile and places it face up in center of table
• Second player turns over a card from his pile and says sum of the two cards aloud as it is placed on the previous card in the middle of the table
• Play goes back to first player who again takes a card from his pile and mentally adds and says aloud the new sum while placing card on the center pile
• Continue taking turns until “Twenty-five” is reached. If a card brings you over the sum of 25 – then you SUBTRACT that number
• Continue until exactly 25 is reached – adding or subtracting as needed

If you want to play with three or more players, just make another set of cards from 1 to 9. Sometimes this game goes quickly and sometimes it becomes a challenge to reach “Twenty-five” exactly – but either way math is the winner!!!