Master Mental Math Techniques for Success
- Joy
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
Helping children develop strong math skills is a goal many parents share. One of the most valuable abilities kids can learn is mental math. It’s not just about speed; it’s about building confidence, improving problem-solving skills, and making numbers less intimidating. Over the years, I’ve seen how mastering mental math strategies can transform a child’s approach to learning and everyday life.
Mental math is a skill that can be nurtured with the right techniques and practice. In this post, I’ll share practical tips and explain how you can support your child in becoming a mental math whiz. Whether your child is just starting school or heading into their teens, these strategies will help them succeed.
Why Mental Math Strategies Matter
Mental math strategies are more than just quick calculations. They help children understand numbers deeply and think flexibly. When kids learn to do math in their heads, they develop:
Better concentration: Mental math requires focus, which improves attention span.
Stronger memory: Remembering numbers and steps trains the brain.
Problem-solving skills: Kids learn to break down complex problems into simpler parts.
Confidence: Success with mental math boosts self-esteem and reduces math anxiety.
For example, when your child learns to add 9 by adding 10 and subtracting 1, they’re not just memorising facts. They’re understanding number relationships. This kind of thinking helps in all areas of math and beyond.
Using mental math strategies also makes everyday tasks easier. Imagine your child quickly calculating the total cost while shopping or figuring out how long a trip will take. These skills are practical and empowering.
Effective Mental Math Strategies for Kids
There are many mental math strategies that children can use, depending on their age and skill level. Here are some of the most effective ones:
1. Breaking Numbers Apart (Decomposition)
This strategy involves splitting numbers into parts that are easier to work with. For example, to add 47 + 36, your child can break it down:
40 + 30 = 70
7 + 6 = 13
70 + 13 = 83
Breaking numbers apart makes calculations simpler and less intimidating.
2. Using Friendly Numbers
Friendly numbers are easy to work with, like 10, 20, 50, or 100. When adding or subtracting, your child can round numbers to the nearest friendly number and adjust the answer accordingly.
For example, to subtract 98 - 43:
Round 98 to 100
100 - 43 = 57
Subtract the 2 you added earlier: 57 - 2 = 55
3. Doubling and Halving
This is useful for multiplication. If your child needs to multiply 16 by 5, they can halve 16 to 8 and double 5 to 10, then multiply 8 by 10 to get 80.
4. Using Patterns and Tricks
Certain numbers have patterns that make calculations easier. For example, multiplying by 9 can be done by multiplying by 10 and subtracting the original number.
9 x 7 = (10 x 7) - 7 = 70 - 7 = 63
5. Estimation
Estimation helps children check if their answers are reasonable. It’s a great way to build number sense and avoid mistakes.
Encouraging your child to try these strategies during homework or daily activities can make math fun and less stressful.
What is a mental strategy in math?
A mental strategy in math is a method or approach used to solve problems in your head without writing anything down. It’s about thinking through the steps logically and efficiently. These strategies help children avoid relying solely on calculators or paper, encouraging them to understand the process behind the numbers.
For example, when your child wants to multiply 25 by 4, instead of doing long multiplication, they might think:
25 x 4 = (20 x 4) + (5 x 4) = 80 + 20 = 100
This mental strategy breaks the problem into manageable parts and uses simple multiplication facts.
Mental strategies vary depending on the operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and the numbers involved. Teaching kids multiple strategies gives them options to choose the best one for each problem.
Using mental strategies also improves flexibility in thinking. Your child learns that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem, which is a valuable life skill.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Math Learning Online
Online classes are a fantastic way to help your child develop mental math skills. They offer interactive tools, games, and personalised feedback that make learning engaging. Here’s how you can make the most of online learning for mental math:
1. Choose the Right Platform
Look for online classes that focus on mental math strategies and adapt to your child’s level. Platforms that use games and challenges keep kids motivated.
2. Set a Routine
Consistency is key. Set aside a regular time for your child to attend classes and practice mental math. Short, daily sessions are better than long, infrequent ones.
3. Encourage Active Participation
Encourage your child to ask questions and try problems on their own during the class. Active learning helps retention.
4. Use Real-Life Examples
Help your child apply mental math to everyday situations, like cooking measurements or shopping budgets. This makes learning relevant and fun.
5. Celebrate Progress
Praise your child’s efforts and improvements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and a love for learning.
Online classes also allow you to track progress easily and communicate with instructors if you have questions.
Practical Tips to Practice Mental Math at Home
Besides online classes, you can support your child’s mental math skills at home with simple activities:
Play number games: Games like “Math Bingo” or “Number War” make practice fun.
Use flashcards: Quick drills with flashcards help memorise facts.
Challenge with puzzles: Sudoku or logic puzzles improve reasoning.
Involve the whole family: Make mental math a family activity during car rides or meal prep.
Set small goals: For example, mastering multiplication tables one week at a time.
Remember, patience is important. Some children may take longer to feel comfortable with mental math, and that’s okay.
If you want to explore more resources and structured lessons, check out mental math classes from ReLearn Education. They offer excellent online classes tailored for kids.
Mastering mental math strategies is a journey that builds essential skills for your child’s academic and everyday success. With the right support, practice, and encouragement, your child can become confident and quick with numbers. Start today, and watch their love for math grow!
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