Fun And Games: Teaching Kids What Is Mental Math

Math is often a daunting subject for both kids and adults. However, there are many ways you can make it fun and engaging for children. Additionally, calculations really don’t have to be scary. In fact, mental math can help improve kids’ problem-solving skills and sense of numbers.

So, how can you make it fun and engaging for them? You can do it by adopting the right approach to teaching mental math. So, let’s learn what is mental math and how you can make it easier for your kids to calculate numbers quickly.

What Is Mental Math?

So, what exactly is mental math? In the simplest words, mental math entails using brainpower to add or divide numbers quickly. That’s the essence of mental math – solving problems without relying on external tools like a pen and paper or a calculator.

Now, the question is: how do we make mental math for kids easier and more fun to do? Enter the realm of games and activities!

Mental Maths Games: Let the Playtime Begin!

Kids love games, and you can teach them mental math by incorporating mental math strategies in mental maths games. Furthermore, forget about using only big books to teach them math; instead, focus on activities that don’t just make them sharp in numbers but also strengthen their memory. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Multiplication Mayhem

Multiplication Bingo: Create bingo cards with multiplication facts. Call out answers, and players mark off the corresponding question. The first to complete a row or column wins!

Times Table Races: Divide players into teams and write two different multiplication tables on separate whiteboards. Each team member races to the board writes the product of a called-out factor, and runs back to tag their teammate. The fastest team wins!

Multiplication Charades: Act out multiplication problems for teammates to guess. For example, hop 7 times for 7 x 1 or clap your hands 8 times for 2 x 4.

Addition and Subtraction Adventures

Target Number: Choose a target number (e.g., 20) and take turns rolling two dice. Add the numbers and get as close to the target as possible without going over.

Number Line Challenge: Draw a number line on the ground or sidewalk. Stand at a starting number and call out addition or subtraction problems. Players hop forward or backward based on the answer; whoever reaches the designated finish line first wins.

Storytelling Sums: Make up a story where characters must solve addition or subtraction problems to progress. For example, “The dragon needs 15 gems but lost 6. How many does he have left?”

Other Thrilling Twists

Flashcard Frenzy: Use flashcards with various operations and time yourselves solving them correctly. Gradually increase the speed for an extra challenge.

Number Puzzles: Cut pictures or numbers into pieces and challenge kids to reassemble them while mentally calculating the totals.

Mental Math Relay Race: Line up teams and call out a series of addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. Players run to a designated spot, solve the problem mentally, and run back to tag their teammates. The first team to finish correctly wins.

Mental Math for Kids: Catering to Different Ages

The following are some mental math strategies to teach children of different ages:

Preschoolers: Focus on number recognition and simple counting. To do that, sing number songs, play hide-and-seek with numbers, and use manipulatives like blocks to make learning concrete.

Early Elementary: Introduce basic addition and subtraction. Play flashcard games, create number lines, and encourage skip counting (counting by 2s, 5s, etc.).

Later Elementary: Graduate to multiplication and division. Use multiplication charts, play memory games with facts, and challenge them with “what if” scenarios. E.g., “If you have 24 cookies and share them equally among 4 friends, how many cookies will each get?”.

Mental Math Strategies: Unlock the Secrets!

While mental math can be challenging for kids initially, it is not difficult, especially when you make learning fun. That is why, to enhance your 8-year-old’s math skills, the following are some mental math strategies that you can teach them. These will benefit them in the long term.

Make Friends With Round Numbers: Rounding off nearby numbers can simplify calculations. Instead of adding 17 and 23, round them to 20 and 20, making the sum an easy 40, and then add or subtract the remaining numbers.

Break It Down: Break down complex problems into smaller, easier ones. Need to subtract 87 from 150? Think 150 – 50 = 100, then 100 – 37 = 63.

Doubles And Doubles: Master your doubles (e.g., 2 x 5 = 10) and use them to solve similar problems (e.g., 3 x 5 = 15, 4 x 5 = 20).

How to Get Better at Mental Math: Practice Makes Perfect!

Remember, becoming a mental math maestro isn’t a one-time spell; it’s a continuous journey fueled by practice and fun. Here are some tips on how to get better at mental math for kids:

Daily Doses of Math

Weave it into Routines: Make kids count objects while walking, estimate distances, or mentally calculate grocery totals. And that is how every moment can be a math mini-adventure!

Embrace Technology: Educational apps and online games offer bite-sized challenges and instant feedback, making practice engaging and interactive.

Turn Chores Into Games: Time your kids during laundry folding, ask them to add socks as you pair them, or have mental math races while setting the table.

Sharpen Their Strategies

Visualize: Encourage kids to create mental images to solve problems. For instance, imagine groups of objects for addition, multiplication grids for times tables, or number lines for subtraction.

Befriend Patterns: Look for patterns in multiplication tables (e.g., multiples of 5 all end in 5 or 0) or addition facts (adding 9 is often one less than adding 10).

Teach Shortcuts: Include multiplication tricks like doubling and halving in mental maths games, or teach them the “split and combine” method for subtraction. As a result, these little hacks can shave off precious seconds.

Make it a Social Spell

Create Challenges: Organize math game nights or friendly competitions. The added pressure (and laughter!) can boost motivation.

Encourage Teaching: Encourage children to share their knowledge with younger siblings or friends. This will reinforce their understanding and boost confidence.

Create Your Own Games: Invent math challenges based on hobbies or interests. Turn board games into math battles, or write math riddles to solve.

Celebrate the Journey

Track Progress: Use charts or apps to monitor improvement. Showing children how they have improved will motivate them further.

Set Rewards: Set achievable goals and celebrate each milestone with a special treat or activity. This positive reinforcement keeps children engaged.

Embrace Mistakes: View errors as learning opportunities, not setbacks. Analyze what went wrong and try again with a new approach.

Remember, the true magic of mental math for kids lies not just in the calculations but in the joy of discovery, the thrill of challenge, and the confidence that blooms with each step. So, keep doing games and mental math tests to keep children engaged in fun activities that encourage learning.

Wrapping Up

Mental math for kids isn’t just about calculations; it’s about building confidence, problem-solving, and encouraging a love for numbers. So, ditch the drill and embrace the play. With a dash of creativity and a bucket of fun, you’ll be amazed at how your child’s math skills blossom!