Mental math is a system for the development of child’s intelligence, built on teaching rapid mental arithmetic using an unusual method like mental maths games. By mastering this technique, the child develops imagination and logic, develops memory skills and learns to quickly and easily cope with difficult examples in mathematics.
To make it easier for you to decide whether your child should learn mental maths, we will tell you how useful this skill is for school performance in year 6 and how unusual calculation methods are reflected in the child’s thinking.
Who is this teaching method suitable for?
Learning mental maths is a thought process that involves an intensive build-up of neural connections. Therefore, it is recommended to learn this technique for children from 4 to 16 years old, that is, during the period of active formation of brain cells. After 16 years, the learning process will take longer.
Children who are not interested in the exact sciences or feel insecure solving examples in maths will find creativity in mental arithmetic classes that will help them become interested in learning and prove themselves. A specific skill in mental maths in an unusual way gives confidence and courage to cope with learning difficulties.
And the active development of thinking will help the child improve school performance and become more assiduous.
How is mental arithmetic useful?
It develops imagination and logic. Children begin their education using special accounts. Gradually, they fix the image of this instrument in their minds and work by connecting the imagination. In numerous videos of the learning process, you can see that the child makes movements with his fingers, moving imaginary bones.
It develops both hemispheres of the brain. Calculations are logical, rational actions, that is, the task of the left hemisphere of the brain. Imagination and creative thinking is already the right brain. By combining rational and creative, mental arithmetic helps develop both hemispheres and, due to this, achieve great success in solving mathematical problems.
It improves memory. The child keeps a new technique, a way of counting, a lot of certain manipulations. All this actively trains memory. If you work intensively in this direction since childhood, then in the future it will not be difficult for him to memorize large amounts of information.
It trains concentration and perseverance. Such an unusual and complex calculation technique requires complete concentration. Therefore, from the very first lesson, the child trains endurance and willpower to achieve a result. He learns patience and perseverance.
It develops math skills. We have put this item at the end of the list, since mental maths is a complex of skills and abilities that involves the general development of intelligence. But nevertheless, the course focuses specifically on mathematical calculations and will greatly facilitate the child’s process of learning mathematics at school.
Pros
Development of thinking and fine motor skills
Abacus work is also a practice of finger movements, which develops their dexterity and tenacity.
Ability to count quickly in the mind
This skill brings practical benefits both in study and in life.
Improving memory
It will be much easier for a child mastering mental arithmetic to memorize large amounts of information in all subjects.
Increased interest in learning
An extraordinary method of calculations and many interesting facts will help your child understand how much useful and exciting can be found in the classroom at school.
High concentration of attention
Mental maths classes require special concentration, and this skill remains with the child both in the classroom at school and at the time of completing homework.
Cons
The child is in a hurry and makes mistakes in the decision
During the training period, the child with passion “jumps” on the numbers and seeks to do everything as quickly as possible. Sometimes he forgets to ponder and therefore makes mistakes. Exercise will remove this effect over time, as the child gets used to it.
The child can be overwhelmed by such intense activities
Mastering mental maths is intellectual work. It is important to follow the correct regimen and not force the child to exercise too much, because he can get tired both physically and mentally, which means he can lose interest.
How is mental arithmetic taught?
As a rule, the first results of learning mental maths are noticeable 2-3 months after starting weekly classes and completing daily short homework assignments. To fully master the technique, the child will need about 2 years of constant training.
In the first year, the child will master the actions of adding and subtracting numbers, and the second big stage is the ability to multiply and divide.
Since children usually start learning from an early age, classes are built in a playful way. Educators strive to captivate the child and give him the motivation to exercise.