Building Confidence Through Mental Math Practice

What is Mental Math for Children?

Many parents want their child to be quicker and smarter in maths, but do not always know how to help. They often hear suggestions like mental math practice can make children sharper, but they are not always clear about what it really means. So if you are also wondering, “What is mental maths?” Here is a simple answer.

Mental maths is all about solving questions by doing calculations in the head without any external tool. It is also known as mental arithmetic practice. Children use memory, patterns, and small tricks to find answers quickly in their minds.

Mental math practice is not only about speed. It also improves confidence, sharpens memory, and builds problem-solving skills. Parents who wish to know how to improve mental maths in their child, keep reading to know the effective tips.

Read More: Top 10 Tricks to Master Mental Maths

How to Practice Mental Maths at Home?

If you want your child to practice mental maths at home, start slowly and make it fun. Ten minutes a day is more than enough to start with. Motivate them to do short and simple activities. This helps make mental arithmetic practice a habit, not a chore. Here are some easy tips on how to practice mental maths at home to help your child:

1. Round Numbers to Make Sums Easy

Encourage your child to round numbers before adding or subtracting. This makes doing the sum much easier.

For example, they can round off 57 + 48 to 60 + 50, and then add to get 110. After that, tell them to subtract 5 from the previous answer to get the final answer: 105, because they have added 3 and 2 extra. Once your child practices solving sums this way a few times, it will naturally become a habit and feel easier for them.

2. Work From Left to Right

When practicing mental maths in the head, it helps your child to start from the bigger place values.

For example, in 34 + 17, ask them to add tens first: 30 + 10 = 40. Then add the ones: 4 + 7 = 11. Now 40 + 11 = 51. This method is easier for your child because they don’t have to worry about carrying numbers.

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3. Use Simple Multiplication Hacks

If your child finds it hard to memorize all the tables at once, it's okay. Here are some simple tips that can help them with multiplication:

• Any number × 1 stays the same.

• Any number × 10 just gets a zero at the end.

• A single-digit × 11 is that digit written twice (7 × 11 = 77).

These simple tricks make mental arithmetic practice less stressful and give your child quick wins in maths.

4. Find 10% by Moving the Decimal

This is another simple trick your child can use while solving questions with decimals. For example, in questions like find 10% of a number, tell them to move the decimal one place to the left.

For example, 10% of 25 is 2.5. To get 20%, they can double it. This is an easy trick for your child for learning percentages in school.

5. Let Your Child Guess First

Show your child that it’s okay to guess the answer when solving any question at first. Estimation helps them build number sense and do faster calculations.

For example, 249 + 132 can be rounded to 250 + 130 = 380. The exact answer is 381. This habit helps your child get a quick idea before finding the right answer.

Read More: How to Prepare for Math Olympiads with Mental Maths

How Mental Arithmetic Practice Boosts Your Child’s Confidence?

Mental math is more than just doing calculations faster.  It is a skill that can help your child think smart and understand numbers in a deeper way. Here are some benefits of mental arithmetic practice that can improve your child’s calculation skills greatly:

Helps in Thinking Faster: Mental math helps your child think quickly. When they practice adding, subtracting, or rounding numbers in their head, they get better at solving questions while doing homework or giving tests at school.

Supports Brain Development: Doing mental arithmetic practice boosts your child’s memory and focus. It also improves logical thinking and reasoning, which are important not only in maths but also in other subjects.

Teaches Everyday Skills: Mental math is more than numbers. It helps your child learn patience, discipline, and the habit of trying again even after many mistakes. These skills make it easy for them to face challenges at school and later in life as they grow up.

Boosts Confidence: Each time your child solves a problem in their head, they feel proud. With time, they start enjoying maths and become more confident, which also helps them in other subjects.

Improves Understanding of Numbers: Regular mental math practice makes your child comfortable with numbers. This helps them understand tougher maths topics more easily and builds a strong foundation for higher classes.

Also Read: 10-Minute Daily Exercises to Improve Mental Maths Skills

How CuriousJr Helps Your Child Improve Mental Maths?

CuriousJr’s Mental Maths Classes are designed to help your child become faster and more confident with numbers. The classes use live, interactive sessions to make mental arithmetic practice interesting, so your child enjoys learning instead of feeling stressed.

• Your child gets personal guidance from a dedicated teacher, making sure that every doubt is solved and every concept is clear.

• Homework help and doubt-solving sessions make sure your child never feels stuck while practicing at home.

• This online course also covers Mental Ability topics like patterns, sequencing, logical reasoning, and memory skills, along with Vedic math tricks. 

• With daily performance tracking, you can easily see how your child is improving.

• And flexible class schedules make it easy to fit learning into your child’s daily routine.

By combining fun learning, smart tricks, and personal support, CuriousJr helps your child strengthen calculation skills, improve focus, and enjoy maths more.

Helping your child become confident and quick in maths is possible with regular practice and the right guidance. By following simple daily exercises, using smart tricks, and engaging in fun mental arithmetic activities, you can slowly teach your child how to improve mental maths.