Math Problems? It’s Not in the Mind, It’s in the image – Why Mental Image Matter
The Problem: Many children struggle in math not because they can’t think logically, but because they can’t “see” the numbers in their minds. They get lost in steps or forget what they were doing halfway through a problem. These gaps aren’t about intelligence—they’re about mental imagery. Causes: The Shenmo Solution: Shenmo specializes in developing mental […]
The Forgotten Skill – Why Estimation Matters More Than You Think
The Problem: Many Dutch students can calculate but cannot estimate. They’ll solve 49 x 21 precisely but can’t guess if the answer should be closer to 1,000 or 2,000. Estimation builds number intuition, but it’s rarely taught explicitly in classrooms. Causes: The Shenmo Solution: Shenmo builds estimation into every lesson, encouraging students to guess first […]
Is Digital Math Practice Enough? Why Screen Time Can’t Replace Mental Math
The Problem: Children today spend hours on digital math apps, yet many still struggle with fluency and confidence in basic operations. Despite all the screen time, they’re slow in recalling facts or solving problems without help. Technology can’t replace the depth of real understanding. Causes: The Shenmo Solution: Shenmo combines tactile abacus use with mental […]
When Children Give Up on Word Problems – What’s Really Going Wrong
The Problem: Many students in Groups 6–8 shut down when faced with word problems. It’s not just a reading issue—they often can’t figure out what’s being asked or how to connect math to real life. This leads to anxiety, guessing, and falling behind in standardized assessments. Causes: The Shenmo Solution: Shenmo’s visual-based math training helps […]
The Silent Struggle – Girls and Math Confidence in Dutch Classrooms
The Problem: Although girls perform as well as boys in primary school math, many still lack confidence in their abilities. This can show up as hesitation to answer questions, skipping harder problems, or saying “I’m just not good at math.” Over time, this lack of confidence can shape their academic and career choices. Causes: The […]
Why Many Children Struggle with Number Sense – And How to Strengthen It Early
The Problem: Many children enter Group 3 or 4 without a solid understanding of how numbers work. They can count by rote but struggle to grasp what numbers actually represent. This leads to confusion with simple tasks like comparing quantities or estimating amounts. Without strong number sense, more complex math concepts like addition, subtraction, or […]
Why So Many Children in the Netherlands Struggle with Math Anxiety – And How We Can Break the Cycle
The Problem: Math anxiety is a significant issue among students in Groups 6–8, with nearly 25% experiencing nervousness during math assessments, according to Utrecht University (2021). This anxiety can manifest as a fear of failure, leading to avoidance of math-related tasks and a decline in performance. Over time, this creates a cycle of fear and […]
Help! My Child Doesn’t Understand Fractions – A Different Way to Build Math Insight
The Problem: Fractions often become a stumbling block for children in Groups 7–8. Despite their importance in everyday life, many students struggle to grasp concepts like ½ or ¾. These numbers can seem abstract, leading to confusion and frustration. Without a concrete understanding, children may feel disconnected from math, impacting their confidence and performance. Causes: […]
Why So Many Children in Groups 5–6 Struggle with Mental Arithmetic – And What You Can Do About It
The Problem: More than a third of children in Group 6 in the Netherlands are falling behind in mental arithmetic, according to the 2023 CITO report. Tasks like 47 + 38 or 63 – 29 become a source of frustration, not curiosity. These children often stare at the numbers, unsure how to begin, and quickly […]