Mental Arithmetic + Brain Games: A Daily Routine That Develops a Child's Mind
Many parents ask the same question: should I teach my child mental arithmetic, or have them play brain-training games? In truth, it is not an either-or choice. The MentalMath platform has two tracks — Mental (mental arithmetic) and Zehn (cognitive brain games) — and together they develop a child's mind best of all. Below we explain what each track gives, why you should combine them, and how to fit it all into a simple routine of just 20 minutes a day.
What mental arithmetic gives
Mental arithmetic is the skill of calculating in your head using the abacus (soroban), Vedic methods and fast multiplication. The child visualizes numbers and calculates quickly, without paper or a calculator. This strengthens not only calculation speed but also working memory, number sense and concentration. The left brain (logic) and right brain (imagery) begin to work together. Browse the learning tracks catalog to choose which method to start with.
What brain games (Zehn) give
Zehn games are cognitive exercises that train memory, attention, logic and spatial thinking. The Schulte table develops visual attention, number chains build memory, and pattern-finding develops logical reasoning. These games boost thinking speed and mental flexibility — the child switches between tasks more easily and learns from mistakes faster. The Zehn games catalog offers dozens of exercise types.
Why you should combine both
Mental arithmetic is powerful, but it is focused mainly on calculation. Zehn games train attention and memory, but they do not build number sense. Together a synergy emerges: strong working memory helps a child calculate faster on the abacus, while mental arithmetic strengthens the ability to focus. One track fuels the other. That is why, for a child's overall mental development, running both tracks in balance is far more effective than either one alone.
Daily routine: 20 minutes of balance
Just 20 minutes a day is enough. What matters is consistency, not length. A simple split:
- 0-10 minutes: a mental arithmetic exercise — for example, abacus exercises or fast multiplication (while the child is fresh and not tired).
- 10-15 minutes: one Zehn game — for example, the Schulte table or a memory exercise.
- 15-20 minutes: free practice or Adventure (Story Mode) — reinforcement in a playful form, plus motivation.
Practicing at the same time each day builds a habit.
Weekly plan
Light variation across the week prevents boredom: Monday, Wednesday, Friday — more emphasis on mental arithmetic (10 min mental + 10 min zehn). Tuesday, Thursday — more emphasis on Zehn games (10 min zehn + 10 min mental). Saturday — a day of favorite games and Adventure, no pressure. Sunday — rest or a light optional review. With this plan both tracks get trained every week, and the child does not burn out.
How to start on MentalMath
Getting started is very simple. Register on MentalMath for free, set your child's age and level — the platform adapts the exercises automatically (the adaptive system keeps difficulty in the 70-85% accuracy zone for each child). First try one of the learning tracks, then one of the Zehn games. Coins and gems, daily quests and league rankings motivate the child to come back every day. Most importantly — start with small but regular steps.
