A simple solution for teaching young children to add two numbers mentally.
The numbers 27+8 for example:
Hold the 27 in your head- touch your head at this stage to show them.
Hold out 8 fingers.
Now count on from 27.
Touch your head and say 27.
Now count on with your 8 fingers.
27 28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35.
Now do again and show to your child.
45+9
Get 9 fingers ready.
Touch your head and say 45.
Now count on with your fingers 45 46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54.
This time ask your child to do this.
Give them the question.
38+6.
Get them to show you.
If they’re not sure, show them again.
And continue for at least 10 minutes.
Repeat daily, until they’ve got this.
Learning to add two numbers mentally is an important skill for children for several key reasons:
1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
- Mental arithmetic helps children develop their problem-solving abilities. When children can add numbers mentally, they learn to approach and solve problems quickly and flexibly without relying on paper, calculators, or other tools.
2. Builds Number Sense
- Mental addition strengthens number sense, which is an intuitive understanding of numbers and how they relate to each other. This allows children to estimate, compare, and manipulate numbers more effectively in everyday situations.
3. Improves Confidence and Independence
- Being able to perform calculations mentally gives children confidence in their abilities and fosters independence. They become less reliant on external tools and more capable of handling math in real-life situations.
4. Promotes Efficient Learning
- Mastering mental addition helps children understand the foundations of math more deeply. It speeds up their ability to handle more complex problems later on, such as multiplication, division, fractions, and algebra.
5. Practical in Everyday Life
- Mental addition is a practical life skill. Whether calculating change, budgeting, or figuring out quantities, being able to add numbers quickly in one’s head is useful in everyday situations.
6. Sharpens Memory and Concentration
- Mental arithmetic strengthens working memory by requiring children to hold numbers in their heads and manipulate them. This also enhances concentration and focus.
