What will children and parents learn during the trial lesson?
Important for Parents:
- Our Educational Approach: Presentation of our unique methods in teaching, specifically how our classes are conducted and how mental arithmetic differs from traditional mathematics.
- Progression and Milestones: Explanation of the successes children can achieve at different stages of our program.
Important for Children:
- Foundational Rules: Introduction to the basic principles of Mental Arithmetic (MA).
- Motivation: Discussion on the rewards and incentives for learning, including how they can start performing basic operations using MA techniques right after the trial lesson.
Why is the trial lesson crucial?
Important for Teachers:
- Understanding the Student: The trial lesson allows the teacher to meet the student and their parents, assess the child’s developmental level and temperament, and understand the family’s expectations from mental arithmetic classes.
Presenting Our Methodology: It’s an opportunity to explain our specific approach to education and how it benefits the child’s cognitive and developmental growth.
4,5-7 months
What is studied at Level 1?
- Thematic Coverage: 20 themes.
- Basic Principles of Mental Arithmetic: Children learn the fundamental principles.
- Using the Abacus: Instruction in calculating with an abacus.
- Imaginary Calculation: Learning to perform calculations in their imagination.
- Brain Development: Incorporates exercises such as drawing with both hands, developing memory, attention, and neurobics.
Why is the first level important?
- Activation of Both Brain Hemispheres: This level is crucial for developing the ability to calculate imaginatively.
- Practice with the Abacus and in Imagination: Training in calculations using both methods.
What skills are developed at this level?
- Fine Motor Skills: Development of precision movement skills.
- Imagination: The ability to visualize and manipulate objects in the mind.
- Memory: Memorizing numbers and calculation procedures.
- Calculations within the scope of the first level 1-999: Learning basic calculations.
Examples of problems children learn to solve:
- Single-digit numbers: Mastering basic addition and subtraction, such as 3+5-6-2+7+2-9, over a period of 4-6 weeks.
- Double-digit numbers: Progressing to addition and subtraction of numbers from 10 to 99, for example, +18+60+21-85-11 taught over 8-12 weeks.
- Triple-digit numbers: Handling numbers in the range of 100-999, such as +866+112-557-311-100 also over 8-12 weeks.
Assessment and Resources:
- Mini Tests: Each theme concludes with a mini-test to assess comprehension and retention.
Additional Information:
- Level 2 Diploma: Upon successful completion, students receive a diploma and earn 10$ as a reward for their achievement.
Challenges and overcoming them:
- Children learn to tackle initial difficulties with larger numbers, identify and correct calculation errors. Lessons include tasks to develop sustained attention and perseverance.
Conclusion:
The Level 1 program is designed to lay the foundations of mental arithmetic and prepare children for more advanced levels of learning.
4-6 months
What is studied at this level?
- Number of Topics: 12 themes.
- Advanced Transitions Including the Number 5: This level introduces more complex numerical transitions that enhance logical thinking.
- Brain Development Activities: The teacher incorporates additional tasks to develop brain function from Level 1, such as drawing with both hands, memory games, spot the difference, neurobics, and mazes to boost spatial imagination and attentiveness.
Why is the second level important?
- Numerical Composition of 5: Students learn about the composition of the number 5, which involves complex double transitions that differ significantly from Level 1, including reverse operations that foster logical development.
Skills developed at this level:
- Enhancement of Level 1 Skills: Reinforcement of previously acquired skills.
- Logic: Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Memory: Improves the ability to retain and recall detailed information.
- Discipline: Strengthens self-control and ability to follow through with tasks.
- Leadership Qualities: Encourages development of leadership skills among peers.
Challenges and overcoming them:
- Ease of Learning: For many students, this level is assimilated more easily compared to others.
- Homework Discipline: Students face challenges with the discipline of completing homework and learn to overcome procrastination.
Examples and Duration:
- Single-digit Calculations: Children learn basic operations like 4+4, 4+3, 6-2. These fundamental skills are taught over a period of 4-6 weeks.
- Double-digit Calculations: More complex calculations such as 44+43, 31+34, 65-21 are introduced. Students are expected to master these over 6-8 weeks.
- Triple-digit Calculations: Children progress to handling numbers like 454+243, 314+342, 656-312. This advanced level takes 6-8 weeks to complete.
Assessment and Resources:
- Mini Tests: Each theme concludes with a mini-test to assess comprehension and retention.
Additional Information:
- Level 2 Diploma: Upon successful completion, students receive a diploma and earn 10$ as a reward for their achievement.
This structured approach to Level 2 ensures that students not only learn how to handle numbers through various challenging tasks but also develop a holistic set of skills that prepare them for more advanced levels of mental arithmetic.
5-7 months
What is studied at this level?
- Number of Topics: 22 themes.
- Complex Transitions Including the Number 10 and Examples Involving 50 and 100: This level focuses on numerical transitions that involve the number 10 and increasingly complex examples with transitions through 50 and 100.
- Brain Development Activities: The teacher incorporates additional tasks for brain development from Levels 1 and 2, including drawing with both hands, memory development exercises, attention training, and neurobics. It also includes Schulte table exercises of varying complexity.
Why is the third level important?
- Transition Mastery: This level is crucial for mastering numerical transitions from single-digit to double-digit and from double-digit to triple-digit numbers, and vice versa. Successfully completing this level signifies mastering one of the most challenging stages of mental arithmetic.
Skills developed at this level:
- Enhanced First and Second Level Skills: Reinforcement of skills acquired in the first two levels.
- Concentration and Speed of Thought: Enhanced focus and thinking speed, relevant not just to mental arithmetic but to general cognitive functions.
- Memory, Imagination, and Discipline: Strengthening these core skills through consistent practice.
Challenges and overcoming them:
- Most Challenging Level: This level is considered one of the most challenging because of the advanced numerical transitions involving simultaneous manipulation of beads in two columns, requiring maximum concentration and memory usage.
- Overcoming Difficulties: Approximately 80% of students face challenges at this level, and learning to overcome them is essential to successfully completing the course.
- Battling Procrastination: Developing the discipline to complete daily homework and training.
- Daily Practice: Developing discipline through consistent daily practice (15-20 minutes).
Examples and Duration:
- Single-digit Calculations: Examples include 4+7, 6+9, 8+3, 16-7, 11-9, 15-8. Includes 9 themes plus revision. Duration: 6-9 weeks.
- 50 and 100 Transitions: Transitioning through 50 and 100. Includes 2 themes plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
- Double-digit Calculations: Examples include 60-21, 59+21, 60-11, 90-26, 39+11. Includes 9 themes plus revision. Duration: 6-9 weeks.
- Three-digit Calculations: Examples include 787+113, 550-381, 410-215. Includes 9 themes plus revision. Duration: 6-9 weeks.
Assessment and Resources:
- Test after Level 3: Students earn the Level 3 Diploma and receive 10 ‘i$’ as a reward for their achievements.
This comprehensive Level 3 curriculum ensures that students master challenging numerical concepts while developing essential cognitive and personal skills.
2-3 months
What is studied at this level?
- Number of Topics: 7 themes.
- Advanced Transitions: Complex transitions involving numbers 5 and 10 simultaneously, along with examples transitioning through 50 and 100.
- Brain Development Activities: The teacher includes additional exercises to develop brain function from Levels 1, 2, and 3, but with increased complexity.
Why is the fourth level important?
- Skill Integration: At this level, students learn to integrate all the skills they have acquired in the previous levels.
Skills developed at this level:
- Reinforced Skills: Reinforces skills that required significant practice, such as discipline, confidence, leadership, perseverance, and mathematical abilities.
Challenges and overcoming them:
- Easier Transition: This stage is easier than previous ones, and students master it with interest because they feel confident in their abilities.
Examples and Duration:
- Single-digit Calculations: Examples include 6+6, 5+8, 8+6, 14-6, 12-7, 16+8. Includes 4 themes plus revision. Duration: 4-5 weeks.
- Double-digit Calculations: Examples include 84-59, 25+29, 15+29. Includes 1 theme plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
- Three-digit Calculations: Examples include 152+190, 464+109, 174+429. Includes 1 theme plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
Assessment and Resources:
- Mini Tests: Each theme concludes with a mini-test to assess comprehension and retention.
- Video Resources: Videos are provided to supplement the learning process.
This structured approach to Level 4 ensures that students fully integrate the previously acquired skills and gain the confidence needed for advanced levels of mental arithmetic.
2-3 months
What is studied at this level?
- Random Number Calculations: This level focuses on training students to calculate random numbers involving both addition and subtraction, as well as exercises for addition-only and subtraction-only operations.
Why is the fifth level important?
- Mastery of Any Calculation: At this level, students gain the ability to handle any calculation, regardless of its complexity.
Skills Developed:
- Advanced Calculation: Students build on previously acquired skills to confidently tackle problems that require random numbers, addition-only sequences, and subtraction-only sequences.
- Speed and Accuracy: Emphasis on speed without sacrificing accuracy, leading to greater proficiency.
- Discipline and Focus: Daily practice with consistent exercises strengthens discipline and focus.
Challenges and Overcoming Them:
- Complex Problems: Students learn to navigate increasingly complex problems with multiple steps and operations.
- Maintaining Accuracy: Consistent focus is required to maintain accuracy even in random number sequences.
Examples and Duration:
- Subtraction Only: Examples include +99-3-6-8-4-7-5, +999-75-12-54-27-60-80. Includes 1 theme plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
- Random Numbers: Examples include 5+3+4-6+3+6-8, 63+28-32+49-79-18+6, 493-319+6+559-80+214-778. Includes 1 theme plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
- Addition Only: Examples include 3+6+8+5+2+8+4, 65+48+82+37+3+14+90, 236+107+948+973+106+510+530. Includes 1 theme plus revision. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
Assessment and Resources:
- Test after Level 5: Students earn the Level 5 Diploma and receive 10 ‘i$’ for their achievements.
Completing the Full Course
This final stage of the mental arithmetic program ensures students can tackle any problem confidently, regardless of complexity. Upon completing the entire course, students receive a comprehensive education in mental arithmetic and have developed advanced cognitive skills, including memory, logical reasoning, speed, discipline, and confidence. This holistic skill set prepares them for various academic and life challenges ahead.
Explore Our Theme Plan for Mental Arithmetic (Addition and Subtraction)
Welcome to the theme plan for our mental arithmetic addition and subtraction course. This plan outlines the key topics and concepts that your child will study throughout the program. It is important to note that this is not a lesson plan, but rather a thematic overview. Each theme may span several lessons to ensure thorough understanding, while some themes can be combined within a single lesson.
Our teaching approach is tailored to each group and its unique needs, allowing us to ensure that children master each theme and develop the ability to perform calculations both on the abacus and in their imagination.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive plan of the topics covered in our course. We are dedicated to supporting every child’s learning journey and providing them with the skills necessary for their mental arithmetic success.
Trial lesson (JUST FRIENDS 4) |
JUST FRIENDS “5” |
JUST FRIENDS “6” |
JUST FRIENDS “7” |
JUST FRIENDS “8” |
JUST FRIENDS “9” |
TEST : Abacus 1s 10 actions, Imagination 1-0.8 s 10 actions |
JUST FRIENDS Rules for addition and subtraction 10,20,30,….,90 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-19 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-29 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-39 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-49 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-59 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-69 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-79 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-89 |
JUST FRIENDS 10-99 |
TEST : abacus 1c 8 actions, imagination 2,5 s 6-8 actions |
JUST FRIENDS 100-499 |
JUST FRIENDS 100-599 |
JUST FRIENDS 100-999 |
TEST: abacus 2s 6 actions, imagination 3-3,5 s 4-6 actions |
Composition of the number 5. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 4 |
Composition of the number 50. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 40 |
Composition of number 5. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 3 |
Composition of the number 50 Rule LITTLE FRIEND 30 |
Composition of the number 5. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 2 |
Composition of the number 50. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 20 |
Composition of number 5. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 1 |
Composition of the number 50. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 10 |
TEST : Abacus 1s 10 actions, Imagination 1-0.8 s 10 actions |
TEST : abacus 1c 8 actions, imagination 2,5 s 6-8 actions |
Composition of the number 500. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 400 |
Composition of the number 500. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 300 |
Composition of the number 500. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 200 |
Composition of the number 500. Rule LITTLE FRIEND 100 |
TEST: abacus 2s 6 actions, imagination 3-3,5 s 4-6 actions |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 9 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 90 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 8 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 80 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 7 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 70 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 6 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 60 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 5 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 50 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 4 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 40 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 3 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 30 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 2 |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 20 |
Composition of the number 10. BIG FRIEND Rule 1 |
TEST : Abacus 1s 10 actions, Imagination 1-0.8 s 10 actions |
Composition of the number 100. BIG FRIEND Rule 10 |
TEST : abacus 1c 8 actions, imagination 2,5 s 6-8 actions |
Transition 50 |
Transition 100 |
Composition of the number 1000. BIG FRIEND Rule 100-999 |
TEST : abacus 2s 6 actions, imagination 3-3,5 s 4-6 actions |
FAMILY Rule “6” |
FAMILY Rule “7” |
FAMILY Rule “8” |
FAMILY Rule “9” |
TEST : Abacus 1s 10 actions, Imagination 1-0.8 s 10 actions |
Addition rule FAMILY 10-99 |
TEST : abacus 1c 8 actions, imagination 2,5 s 6-8 actions |
FAMILY 10-999 |
TEST : abacus 2s 6 actions, imagination 3-3,5 s 4-6 actions |
Anzan “Addition” |
Anzan “Subtraction” |
Anzan “Random numbers” |
TEST : abacus 1s 10 actions, Imagination 1-0.8 s 10 actions |