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Fun with numbers
The children are a picture of enthusiasm as their teacher gives them five sets of three digit numbers to be added. And they give the right answers in chorus.
Are they whiz kids? Actually, no. The only difference is that these kids have been trained in Mental Arithmetic at the Indiranagar and Mylapore centres of Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS).
The concept, which has had its origins in Malaysia, is being promoted by Shaarada Sriram, Bhanu Arjun and Chitra Ravindran. The tool used is the Abacus, which the Chinese invented. While the top half of the tool has 13 rows of single beads representing multiples of five in each rod, the lower rods have four beads, which stand for single digits. The children are trained to hold and use smaller versions of the Abacus. They are taught fingering speed exercises and soon become dextrous in using the apparatus. And what's more, calculations are no more boring. They are actually easy, fast and most importantly, enjoyable.
The system not only reduces dependence on calculators but also helps in developing self-reliance, memory and application. The target group comprises children between four and 14 years, who learn the subject in six levels. In the beginning, the kids learn simple Arithmetic. Double-digit numbers form the core of the second level, while calculations without the use of the Abacus is at the third level. The fourth level opens up the system of multiplication, while it is simple division at level five. By the time the children reach level six, they are quite comfortable with three digit multiplication and division. The performance of the kids is constantly monitored. In fact, two students from the Indiranagar centre bagged the top slot at the recently held National Level Competition held at Annanagar.
Classes are mostly held on weekends. For more details, contact Shaarada 98410-10804 or Bhanu Arjun at 4422885.
GEETHA IYENGAR
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