Children today are growing up surrounded by technology.
Smartphones can perform calculations in seconds. Computers can process complex numbers almost instantly. Calculators are available on almost every digital device, and artificial intelligence can solve mathematical problems with just a few instructions.
So, with all this technology available, do children still need to develop mental maths skills?
Absolutely.
Technology can help children calculate, but mental mathematics helps them think with numbers.
Being able to estimate, calculate, compare quantities and work through simple mathematical problems mentally gives children a valuable foundation for learning. These skills can help them become more confident, independent and flexible thinkers.
This is where mental maths training, including abacus-based learning, can play an important role.
What Is Mental Maths?
Mental maths is the ability to perform mathematical calculations without relying entirely on paper, calculators or other external tools.
For example, a child may be asked:
27 + 15 = ?
Instead of immediately reaching for a calculator, the child can work through the problem mentally:
27 + 10 = 37
37 + 5 = 42
The answer is 42.
As children develop their mental calculation abilities, they can work with increasingly complex numbers and operations.
Mental maths is therefore not simply about speed. It is about understanding numbers and being able to manipulate them mentally.
Why Does Mental Maths Matter in a Digital World?
Technology has changed the way we interact with information, but it has not removed the need for mathematical thinking.
Consider everyday situations.
A child may need to:
- Calculate how much change they should receive.
- Compare prices when shopping.
- Estimate how much of something is needed.
- Understand percentages and discounts.
- Work out time and distance.
- Compare quantities.
- Make quick decisions involving numbers.
A calculator can provide an answer, but a child with strong number sense can often recognise whether the answer makes sense.
That is an important distinction.
Technology can calculate. Mental maths helps children understand the calculation.
1. Mental Maths Builds Number Sense
Number sense refers to a child’s understanding of numbers and how they relate to one another.
A child with good number sense may recognise that:
- 50 is close to 48.
- 25 is one quarter of 100.
- 75 is three quarters of 100.
- 49 + 51 equals 100.
- 200 is twice 100.
This understanding makes mathematics less dependent on memorising isolated rules.
Through regular mental maths practice, children can become more comfortable recognising patterns and relationships between numbers.
2. It Develops Faster Mathematical Thinking
Mental calculation encourages children to think about the most efficient way to solve a problem.
For example:
48 + 19
Instead of calculating it directly, a child may think:
48 + 20 = 68
68 – 1 = 67
The answer is 67.
This type of thinking encourages flexibility.
Children begin to discover that there can be different ways to approach a mathematical problem.
3. It Can Improve Concentration
Mental maths requires children to keep information in their minds while working through a calculation.
They may need to remember one number, perform an operation and then use the result for the next step.
This creates an opportunity to practise sustained attention.
In abacus-based learning, this process can become even more visual as children progress from manipulating physical beads to mentally visualising the abacus.
4. Mental Maths Supports Memory
Mathematical calculations often require children to hold information temporarily while processing new information.
For example:
36 + 27
A child may mentally break this down into:
36 + 20 = 56
56 + 7 = 63
The child has to remember the intermediate result while completing the calculation.
With regular practice, children can become more comfortable holding and manipulating numerical information mentally.
5. It Helps Children Become More Confident in Mathematics
Confidence matters in learning.
When children repeatedly encounter mathematical problems they cannot solve, they may begin to develop anxiety or avoid mathematics altogether.
On the other hand, successfully solving calculations can give children a sense of achievement.
Mental maths practice gives children opportunities to experience small wins.
Each correctly solved problem can reinforce the idea:
“I can work this out.”
Over time, this confidence can influence how children approach other mathematical challenges.
6. Mental Maths Encourages Problem-Solving
Good mathematics is not simply about memorising formulas.
Children also need to know how to approach unfamiliar problems.
Mental maths encourages learners to break numbers apart, identify relationships and choose strategies.
For example, when calculating:
99 + 36
A child might recognise that:
99 + 1 = 100
100 + 35 = 135
The answer is 135.
The child has effectively transformed the problem into an easier one.
This kind of flexible thinking is useful far beyond arithmetic.
7. It Helps Children Check Whether Answers Make Sense
One of the advantages of having strong mental maths skills is that children can develop an internal sense of what a reasonable answer should look like.
Suppose a child is calculating:
198 + 205
Even before completing the calculation, they can estimate that the answer should be around 400.
If their calculator later displays 4,030, they should be able to recognise that something is wrong.
This is one reason mathematical understanding remains important even when technology is readily available.
Abacus Training and Mental Maths
Abacus education provides a practical approach to developing mental calculation skills.
Initially, children work with the physical abacus. They learn how numbers are represented and how calculations can be performed using the beads.
With continued practice, learners can progress towards visualising the abacus mentally.
Instead of physically moving beads, they begin to imagine the movements in their minds.
This can create an interesting connection between:
Physical learning → Visualisation → Mental calculation
The child is gradually encouraged to perform calculations mentally while using an internal visual representation.
Why Children Should Not Depend Completely on Calculators
Calculators are valuable tools.
Children should absolutely learn how to use technology appropriately. However, relying on a calculator for every basic calculation can reduce opportunities to practise mental mathematical thinking.
Imagine asking a child:
What is 10% of 200?
If the first response is always to reach for a calculator, the child may miss an opportunity to recognise that 10% of 200 is simply 20.
Mental maths helps children build these connections naturally.
The goal is not to reject technology.
It is to ensure that children know when technology is useful and when their own mathematical thinking is enough.
Mental Maths in Everyday Life
Mental calculation is not limited to the classroom.
Children encounter numbers throughout everyday life.
At the supermarket
A child can estimate the total cost of several items.
When managing time
They can calculate how much time remains before school, an appointment or an activity.
When handling money
They can work out change and compare prices.
During games and sports
They may calculate scores, points, distances or time.
In school
Mental calculation can support learning in mathematics, science, economics and other subjects involving numbers.
These everyday applications show why mental maths remains relevant.
How Parents Can Encourage Mental Maths at Home
Parents do not need to turn the home into a classroom to encourage mathematical thinking.
Simple activities can make a difference.
Ask quick number questions
Try questions such as:
- What is 25 + 25?
- What is half of 80?
- Which is greater: 75 or 57?
- What is 10% of 100?
- If we have ₦1,000 and spend ₦650, how much remains?
Use shopping opportunities
Ask your child to estimate the total price of two or three items before reaching the checkout.
Play number games
Puzzles, number challenges and simple mathematical games can make mental calculation enjoyable.
Encourage estimation
Before using a calculator, ask:
“What do you think the answer will be?”
This encourages children to develop mathematical intuition.
Make it fun
Mental maths should not always feel like a test.
Short, enjoyable challenges can help children associate mathematics with curiosity rather than fear.
Mental Maths and the Future of Learning
As technology continues to advance, children will have access to increasingly powerful tools.
Artificial intelligence, calculators, educational applications and other technologies will continue to make calculations easier.
But technology will also make human thinking more important.
Children will need to know how to:
- Ask the right questions.
- Interpret information.
- Identify errors.
- Make decisions.
- Solve problems.
- Understand data.
- Think logically.
Strong mathematical foundations can support these abilities.
Mental maths is therefore not an outdated skill.
It is part of developing a child’s ability to reason with numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mental maths still necessary when children have calculators?
Yes. Calculators are useful for complex calculations, but mental maths helps children understand numbers, estimate answers and identify whether results are reasonable.
Can abacus training improve mental calculation?
Abacus training can provide structured practice in calculation and, as learners progress, mental visualisation. This can support the development of mental calculation skills.
At what age should children start learning mental maths?
The appropriate age depends on the child’s readiness and the teaching programme. Young children can begin developing basic number awareness and gradually progress to more advanced mental calculation.
Does mental maths help with school mathematics?
Strong mental calculation and number sense can support children’s understanding of many mathematical concepts. However, it should complement, rather than replace, a well-rounded mathematics education.
How can parents practise mental maths with children?
Parents can use everyday situations such as shopping, cooking, time, money and games to introduce simple mental maths challenges.
Conclusion
The digital age has changed the way children learn and interact with numbers.
But having a calculator in their pocket does not mean children no longer need mathematical skills.
In fact, as technology becomes more powerful, children need a strong foundation that helps them understand information, think critically and solve problems.
Mental maths gives children an opportunity to develop this foundation.
Through regular practice, children can strengthen their number sense, concentration, memory, calculation skills and confidence.
Abacus-based learning can make this process practical and engaging by taking children from physical manipulation of numbers to mental visualisation and calculation.
At SIMA Abacus, we believe that every child can develop stronger mathematical thinking when given the right learning environment, guidance and consistent practice.
Because the goal is not simply to help children calculate without a calculator. The goal is to help them understand numbers, think confidently and solve problems for themselves.
Contact SIMA Abacus
SIMA Abacus House
Klm 2, LASU–Isheri Expressway, Idowu Egba Bus Stop
(Near Diamond Estate), Isheri, Lagos.
Phone:
+234 (0) 813 517 8604
+234 (0) 701 727 5320
+234 (0) 908 030 5680