Mental math is the ability to calculate math in the head without tools. To practice it, you need to understand basic number structures to complete calculations quickly. Children with strong mental mathematical abilities generally exhibit a high level of accuracy and speed in their thinking. Would you like your children to develop brilliant mental math skills?
There are several ways to achieve this.
Read Math Books
Begin with a book on the fundamental principles of number theory. A solid foundation in number theory is the cornerstone for mental calculations, enabling the discernment of patterns and relationships that make arithmetic more intuitive. Train your children to memorise the multiplication table of single-digit numbers of 2 to 9. This provides a roadmap to break down large multiplication problems into manageable steps, fostering a quicker and more efficient mental multiplication process. For added enjoyment, explore books that present mathematical puzzles and challenges. These offer enjoyable exercises and cultivate problem-solving skills and logical thinking. Puzzle-solving sharpens children’s minds, reinforcing mental math abilities by encouraging them to approach calculations from different angles.
Introduction to Real-World Scenarios
As our children grow, honing their logical thinking becomes a pivotal aspect of their development. This skill empowers them to perceive and understand the world around them based on what they hear, see and feel. The ability to think logically equips them with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, laying the foundation for independent problem-solving in their future.
It is important to cultivate this logical thinking in our children actively. One effective method involves exposing them to real-world scenarios that challenge them to overcome problems. For instance, when we are in the kitchen cooking together, encourage them to double the quantity of each ingredient. During grocery shopping trips, ask them to divide the food into three equal groups or round up the prices after we finish shopping.
The beauty of it is that there are countless daily activities we can incorporate to stimulate children's logical thinking. By integrating these approaches into their routine, we not only enhance their cognitive abilities but also make learning a fun and engaging experience.
Learn with Flashcards
Repetition is the key to mastering any skill; mental math holds the same. Flashcards are a valuable tool for mastery and you can easily create them yourself, involving your child in the process.
Create personalised flashcards featuring addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problems tailored to your child's numeracy level. The beauty of flashcards lies in their versatility; they are compact, portable and perfect for on-the-go learning, making them an ideal companion for trips and outings.
Add an extra dose of fun and challenge by introducing a timer for an exhilarating time trial. Alternatively, spark a friendly competition between siblings or friends of similar skill levels. This not only adds an element of excitement but also motivates your child to push their limits and conquer mental math with enthusiasm.
Make learning an adventure with flashcards and witness your child transform into a confident math whiz, armed with the essential skills for a lifetime of success!
Play the Numbers Game
The foundation for conquering a myriad of mental math challenges lies in number bonds, empowering young minds to tackle mathematical hurdles with confidence.
Take the first step by encouraging your budding mathematicians to explore various addition combinations that sum up to 10. From '5 + 5' to '7 + 3', let their imagination run wild as they uncover the magic within these number bonds. This delightful journey sharpens their mental math skills and deepens their comprehension of number relationships.
Once they have mastered the art of perfecting number bonds to 10, propel them into the next level of mathematical mastery. Encourage them to venture into the realms of 20, 50 or even 100! Witness their mathematical prowess grow, paving the way for a strong foundation in mental math.
This game makes learning an adventure!
How We Can Help
At Mentalmatics, we seamlessly blend the process of solving school-related mathematical problems with the practice of mental arithmetic. Emphasised on practical application, ensuring that the knowledge gained during the course becomes a valuable tool for tackling various mathematical challenges. By integrating problem-solving techniques with mental arithmetic, we aim to empower students with the ability to address mathematical problem-sum questions confidently and proficiently in their academic endeavours.
To find out more, make a reservation to talk to us from the link below!