Mental Math: A Modern Approach to Learning

Mental math is a modern approach to learning mathematics that offers numerous benefits for a child’s intellectual development. Let’s delve deeper into this method with AVAKids.

1What is Mental Math?

Mental math is a method of solving math problems by applying logical and creative thinking, helping children handle problems more easily. Through this method, children are trained to understand and implement effective problem-solving strategies, rather than relying solely on formulas and rote memorization as in traditional learning.

What is Mental Math? (Image: Canva)

With mental math, children remember and solve problems using logical thinking instead of memorizing calculations and formulas. This stimulates brain development and gradually equips them with essential life skills.

2Distinguishing Mental Math from Conventional Math

Mental math and conventional math have significant differences:

Conventional Math

* Children learn math using formulas from textbooks, often lacking initiative in learning and problem-solving.
* They use counting sticks or calculators for calculations.
* Solving problems takes longer because children only know formulas but don’t know how to apply them.
* Comprehensive brain development is limited.
* Parents find it difficult to teach or guide their children at home. Mostly, parents only check their children’s notebooks to monitor their progress.
* Limits children’s mental calculation abilities.

Mental Math

* Children use their senses, analytical skills, logical thinking, and creativity to solve math problems.
* Their thinking abilities continuously improve.
* They are introduced to complex calculations involving 10 or more digits early on.
* No need for tools like counting sticks or calculators.
* Reduces problem-solving time.
* Parents can easily teach their children at home after learning about mental math methods.
* Improves children’s mental calculation skills.

Despite the differences, parents should combine both mental and conventional math for their children to adapt and transition gradually.

3Appropriate Age for Learning Mental Math

According to educational experts, the most suitable time to introduce children to mental math is from 4 years old and above. This is considered the pre-elementary mental math learning phase.

The appropriate age for learning mental math is from 4 years old and above (Image: Canva)

Parents can also have their children learn both mental and traditional math concurrently when they enter grade 1. Between the ages of 5 and 11, children become more aware, curious, and eager to learn, and their brains are ready to absorb new knowledge.

Applying age-appropriate mental math methods provides children with a better foundation for learning math. It also nurtures their love for the subject, improves memory, and enhances knowledge acquisition.

4Basic Mental Math Methods

There are various mental math methods that parents can consider for their children:

Mental Math with Soroban Abacus

Soroban mental math is a mental calculation method based on an ancient abacus called the soroban. Originating in China, the soroban became popular in Japan in the 1600s.

Mental Math with Soroban Abacus (Image: Canva)

The soroban is a rectangular wooden frame with a horizontal bar (the beam) dividing the abacus into upper and lower sections. Vertical columns on the abacus contain movable wooden beads.

Soroban mental math enhances intelligence, mental visualization skills, and stimulates the development of both brain hemispheres. It’s considered one of the fastest mental calculation methods, rivaling modern calculating tools.

U.S. Common Core Math

U.S. Common Core Math is a mental math program based on the US Common Core Math Standards.

The program consists of 5 levels corresponding to knowledge from grades 1 to 5. The program’s content is adjusted based on each level and the cognitive abilities of each age group.

* Number Sense and Operations: Introduces children to numbers and the nature of calculations, developing logical thinking and mental calculation skills.
* Fractions: Clarifies the concept of “what is a fraction?” through visual aids. Understanding fractions makes calculations easier and faster.
* Measurement and Time: Introduces units of measurement and time, length, area, volume, mass, capacity, and currency for application in problem-solving.
* Geometry: Introduces concepts, properties, and relationships between shapes for understanding and applying them in calculating perimeter and area.
* Synthesis and Word Problems: Develops comprehensive mathematical thinking skills through various problem types like logical reasoning, puzzles, patterns, probability, and chart reading, combined with developing reading and analytical skills for problem-solving using logic.

Following the U.S. Common Core Math method helps children:

* Build problem-solving skills.
* Develop abstract and quantitative reasoning.
* Practice scientific debate and critical thinking.
* Apply knowledge flexibly in real-life situations.

Kumon Math – The “Father-Child Love” Method

The Kumon method is called the “Father-Child Love” method because it was invented by math teacher Toru Kumon.

To help his son develop mathematical thinking and a love for the subject, Toru Kumon personally compiled a mental math curriculum for him.

The Kumon method personalizes learning, adapting teaching methods to each child’s abilities and learning pace. This boosts confidence, facilitates understanding, and accelerates progress. It also cultivates self-discipline, responsibility, and time management skills.

A+ Mental Math

A+ Mental Math creates individualized learning plans based on each child’s needs, abilities, and thinking style.

Mental math builds an individual learning plan for children (Image: Canva)

Modern techniques used in A+ Mental Math include:

* Developing thinking skills
* Encouraging verbal expression
* Practicing observation and visual assessment
* Utilizing modern teaching aids
* Written math

These techniques are combined and complement each other, supporting children’s overall development.

CPA Approach to Mental Math

The CPA approach is a Singaporean math teaching method. Its key features include the CPA progression (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract), number bonds, bar modeling, and mental calculation.

Children don’t learn mechanically by applying formulas but are encouraged to think creatively and use their existing knowledge to solve problems efficiently.

POMath – Personalized Mental Math

POMath, developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chu Cam Tho and colleagues in 2022, marks a significant development in mental math in Vietnam.

Through educational scenarios, intellectual games, mathematical models, and applied activities, children learn math concepts. These experiences cultivate reflexes and develop logical thinking.

POMath also enhances smart problem-solving skills, rapid calculation, and spatial reasoning.

5Benefits of Learning Mental Math

Benefits of Learning Mental Math (Image: Canva)

Here are the benefits of mental math for children:

Enhanced Creativity

Most mental math problems incorporate real-life scenarios, encouraging children to reason and devise creative solutions or discover new things through problem-solving.

Comprehensive Intellectual Development

Mental math engages both left and right brain hemispheres, fostering holistic intellectual development.

Development of 5 Key Skills

Mental math cultivates crucial skills: thinking, creativity, critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Building a Knowledge Foundation

By understanding the nature of numbers and calculations, children readily grasp new math concepts in higher grades.

Access to Modern Learning Methods

Mental math is a modern learning method that enhances logic, reasoning, and creativity.

Improved Observation and Memory

Mental math strengthens not only calculation skills but also observation and memory, benefiting children’s future learning and life.

Fostering Enthusiasm and Passion

The less restrictive environment of mental math fosters interest, enjoyment, and a passion for math.

Promoting Active Learning

Mental math encourages independence and initiative in problem-solving. Parents don’t need to constantly explain; children can take charge of their daily learning.

6Drawbacks of Learning Mental Math

Despite its numerous benefits, mental math has some drawbacks:

High Cost

Effective mental math instruction requires reputable, quality centers, which often come with higher fees. Parents should carefully consider their finances.

Requires Qualified Instructors and Appropriate Methods

Mental math is a modern method that needs to be tailored to different age groups. Parents should thoroughly research instructors’ qualifications and experience and ensure age-appropriate class divisions.

7Final Thoughts from AVAKids

Mental math offers significant benefits for brain development, thinking skills, and observation. However, parents should carefully consider its suitability for their child and their financial situation. AVAKids hopes this information is helpful for parents with school-aged children.

Compiled by Nguyet Minh

Reviewed by Anh Thu