Have you ever watched a child solve a mathematical problem in their head without writing anything down? That is one example of mental maths in action.
Mental maths is the ability to perform mathematical calculations mentally, using number knowledge, familiar strategies and logical thinking rather than relying entirely on written working or a calculator.
For children, learning to calculate mentally can make everyday activities involving numbers easier and more engaging. From adding small amounts of money to working out simple calculations in class, mental maths is a useful skill that children can develop through guided learning and regular practice.
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, children are introduced to a learning approach that helps them practise calculations and progress towards solving mathematical problems mentally.
But what exactly is mental maths, and why should parents pay attention to it?
What Is Mental Maths?
Mental maths involves solving mathematical problems in your head. Instead of writing down every step, a child uses their understanding of numbers to arrive at an answer.
For example, when asked to calculate 25 + 17, a child might mentally add 10 to 25 to get 35, then add the remaining 7 to arrive at 42.
As children gain experience, they can learn different ways to approach calculations, depending on the numbers and the problem involved.
Mental maths is not simply about answering questions quickly. It also involves understanding numbers, choosing suitable calculation methods and arriving at accurate answers.
Why Is Mental Maths Important for Children?
Developing mental calculation skills can support children’s mathematical learning in several ways.
1. It Helps Children Become More Comfortable with Numbers
Regular mental calculation practice gives children more opportunities to work with numbers and understand how they relate to one another.
As they become familiar with basic calculations, they may find it easier to approach similar questions in school and everyday activities.
2. It Encourages Independent Problem-Solving
Children who understand different calculation strategies can learn to solve some problems without depending on written steps for every question.
For instance, a child who understands how to break numbers into smaller parts may find it easier to calculate totals mentally.
This encourages children to think about how a problem can be solved rather than simply memorising answers.
3. It Builds Calculation Speed and Accuracy Through Practice
Speed is often an exciting part of mental maths, particularly when children participate in calculation games or friendly challenges.
However, accuracy should come first. Children need to understand the calculation process before placing too much emphasis on answering quickly.
With consistent practice, children can become more familiar with mathematical operations and improve their ability to solve calculations accurately and efficiently.
4. It Supports Everyday Mathematics
Mental maths is useful beyond the classroom.
Children can practise it when counting objects, comparing quantities, estimating totals or calculating simple amounts while shopping with their parents.
These everyday experiences help children recognise the practical value of mathematics and give them opportunities to apply what they learn.
5. It Can Help Children Approach Mathematics with Greater Confidence
Some children feel discouraged when mathematical questions appear difficult. Learning manageable calculation strategies can give them more ways to approach these challenges.
As children recognise their progress, they may become more willing to attempt unfamiliar questions and participate in mathematical activities.
Every child develops at a different pace, so encouragement and appropriate expectations remain important.
How Can Children Develop Mental Maths Skills?
Mental calculation is a skill that children can practise and improve over time. Parents can support this development in several simple ways.
1. Start with Basic Number Skills
Before expecting children to solve complicated calculations mentally, help them develop a good understanding of counting, number relationships, addition and subtraction.
As their understanding improves, introduce multiplication, division and more challenging calculations at a suitable pace.
A strong foundation makes it easier to learn more advanced strategies.
2. Practise Through Short, Regular Activities
Children do not always need long study sessions to practise mental maths.
Parents can introduce a few age-appropriate questions each day and gradually increase the difficulty as the child becomes more comfortable.
For example, ask a child to calculate 8 + 7, then move to questions such as 18 + 7 when they are ready.
The goal is to encourage consistent practice without making learning feel overwhelming.
3. Turn Calculations into Games
Games can make mathematical practice more enjoyable.
Parents can ask children to solve simple number challenges, count objects, complete number patterns or calculate small totals during everyday activities.
Friendly challenges can also encourage participation, provided children are not embarrassed or pressured when they make mistakes.
4. Teach Children to Explain Their Answers
Getting the correct answer is important, but understanding how to arrive at it is equally valuable.
Ask children to explain their thinking in simple terms. If a child calculates 36 + 14 as 50, for example, they might explain that they added 10 to 36 and then added 4.
Explaining their approach can help parents identify misunderstandings and reinforce useful calculation strategies.
How Does Abacus Training Support Mental Maths?
Abacus training offers a practical approach to introducing children to mathematical calculations.
An abacus uses beads to represent numbers and perform calculations. With instruction and practice, children learn to move the beads according to specific calculation methods.
As training progresses, learners may begin to visualise the abacus and use that mental image to support calculations without physically moving the beads.
This progression from physical abacus use to mental visualisation is one of the key features of abacus-based mental arithmetic.
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, children learn through the SIMA approach to Soroban Intelligent Mental Arithmetic. The programme uses structured practice to help learners develop their calculation skills.
The focus is on giving children opportunities to work with numbers, practise calculation methods and progress towards mental arithmetic at a pace suited to their learning.
Abacus training can complement school mathematics, but it does not replace the need to understand mathematical concepts, solve word problems and learn other essential areas of the school curriculum.
At What Age Can Children Start Learning Mental Maths?
Children can begin developing number awareness from an early age through counting games, sorting activities and simple number exercises.
More structured mental maths activities should match the child’s developmental stage and existing understanding of numbers.
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, the learning programme is designed for children aged 3–13 years.
At these ages, children can explore mathematical concepts through suitable activities, guided instruction and regular practice. The specific pace of progress will depend on the child’s readiness, participation and consistency.
Parents do not need to wait until a child is struggling with mathematics before encouraging number skills. Making numbers part of everyday play can be a useful starting point.
How Can Parents Encourage Mental Maths at Home?
Parents can support mental calculation without turning every family activity into a lesson.
Try asking simple questions during everyday routines, such as:
- How many oranges are left if we eat two from a group of seven?
- If you have ₦100 and spend ₦30, how much remains?
- How many more items do we need to make a group of ten?
- If we have four plates and put two biscuits on each, how many biscuits do we need?
Adjust the questions to suit your child’s age and level of understanding.
Most importantly, give children time to think. Encourage them to try different methods, ask questions and learn from incorrect answers.
A calm and supportive approach can help make mathematical practice a positive experience.
Help Your Child Explore Mental Maths with SIMA Abacus
Mental maths is more than answering calculations quickly. It is about developing number understanding, learning calculation strategies and becoming more comfortable working with numbers.
With regular practice, appropriate guidance and engaging activities, children can develop skills that support their mathematical learning at home and in school.
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, children have the opportunity to explore abacus-based learning and develop their mental calculation skills through structured practice.
If you would like your child to begin exploring mental maths, learn more about the SIMA approach.
Visit SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy to discover more about the programme.
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