Parents will always be the first teacher of any kid. Even if they would spend majority of their childhood at school and with their school teachers, it is still the parents who needs and should provide them with the best education.
Now, more and more, mental arithmetic methods are becoming more popular in certain groups of parents. This is because a lot of studies nowadays are focused on knowing more about the brain. And well, arithmetic will always be one of the most interesting functions of the human brain.
When it comes to mental arithmetic, it is really never too early to start teaching your kids. In fact, kids in China are very proficient in math by the time they enter kindergarten because their parents have already taught them at home. Some even says that children from China are about a couple of years ahead from their counterparts from other Western countries.
If you’re a parent who is really nervous because you’re young one is about to enter pre-school or if you’re just a very active parent with a very active child (running out of games to play, eh?), there are several mental arithmetic methods that you yourself can teach your kid- and you don’t have to be a whiz with the numbers!
1. Incorporate numerals with their everyday toys
Just recently, a study has shown that children must develop their “number sense” as early as possible. Number sense is a “Feeling” of just how much or how little a number represents. When you are using this mental arithmetic method, show your kids how much a certain number must look or feel like.
A good idea is to use their toys or anything that they use to develop this number sense. Just make sure that these tools are safe.
2. Talk about numbers all the time
Some parents constantly tell their kids that they have “two very bright and beautiful eyes” or “one cute nose” or “two ears” and you know what? You should take a hint from these parents! The more numbers you talk about and the more numbers a little kid hears, the more familiar he or she comes with that number. A real and very effective mental arithmetic method, indeed.
3. Start slow and gradually
Even though kids absorb information like a sponge absorbs water, you have to remember to be careful with overwhelming them with numbers! Don’t give them too much information too soon because they will really just end up being more confused than before.
A good tip to manage giving your kids an “information overload” is to just really stick with the basics. The more in-depth your child’s understanding is of a certain math concept, the easier other topics will be for them.
