We are on lesson 70. My 6 y/o daughter is able to do all the problems using the abacus but most of them, she just isn't able to do in her head (most past the single digits). How important is this skill for her to master at this point? I had been thinking as long as she understands how it is done, the mental skill will comes with maturity but now I am wondering if my logic is wrong. Thanks !

My son hit a bit of a wall here, too, but I've decided to go on. He was getting frustrated hanging out there. We just keep doing the warm-ups for practice. I plan to do a lot of card games over the summer and slowly work more on the mental math...I know C reviews a lot of the tricks anyway, and I'm thinking he may be more 'ready' for it by then.

Tandy (Amy too!)

Mental math is not always the easiest concept to master! Although each child is unique, I don't see that the mental math problems will be a problem for a long period of time.

Feel free to try the mental math activities but if the AL Abacus is needed to complete the problem bring it out! Now the other option is to just lay the AL Abacus on the table so your child can see it, and this may make the mental problems go much smoother!

Keep encouraging and don't worry, it will all come together!

This is killing us too! My dd isn't an auditory learner, so she can't hear the numbers and then keep them in her head. And from day to day she isn't seeming to remember how to do the tricks and apply it to any problem. I think I need to slow down and play games.

Lisa,

Sounds like using the games and slowing down a little could be the ticket for success!

Mental math does not come easy for many people, therefore having your child use the AL Abacus and then having it sit next to them as they do the mental math typically works well.

Keep us posted on her progress and if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask!

Make it a great day!

Cassie