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 lose confidence when answers don’t come fast enough. What should be a playful moment of number discovery turns into tension, silence, or even tears.
This growing gap in mental math is not just a skill issue—it reflects a deeper disconnection between how math is taught and how young minds learn best.
Causes:
- Lack of daily practice: Mental math skills, like playing an instrument or sport, require repetition. Without regular use, strategies fade away.
- Little emphasis on mental visualization: Many children aren’t taught to “see” numbers in their minds. Without imagery, numbers remain abstract and confusing.
- Fear of mistakes and time pressure: Testing environments often reward speed over process. Children who think more slowly begin to associate math with failure or embarrassment.
The Shenmo Solution:
At Shenmo, children train with tools like the abacus and the rekenrek to create vivid mental images of numbers. Within just a few months, their working memory improves, and arithmetic becomes automatic and intuitive. In Rotterdam, for instance, a student moved from the lowest CITO level (V) to an average level (III) in four months of Shenmo training—simply by practicing visualization and confidence-building exercises daily.
Steps for Parents and Teachers:
- Start a 5-minute daily mental math routine—set a timer, and keep it light and playful.
- Play fun games like “Guess the Number,” “Math Bingo,” or “Rekenraces” to reduce pressure and increase fluency.
- Consider enrolling in a visual-based math club like Shenmo, where children build strong mental foundations and rediscover joy in numbers.