IQ or the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a child is a measure of their reasoning capacity. It basically tells us how well a child can use their logic or facts to answer questions or how well they recollect the information they have heard before. While it may sound like an inherent trait in kids, there is a lot that can be done to improve a child’s IQ. From solving puzzles to learning things/skills, there are several activities that a child can do to enhance their memory and reasoning.
While the average IQ of a child falls between 85-115, children with an IQ of over 120 are considered smart and those above 130 are exceptional. This blog will discuss some tried and tested strategies that can help improve a child’s IQ. We will also talk about Abacus mental math and its implications on a child’s brain.
5 Effective Strategies to Increase Children’s IQ
Let us now explore 5 practical ways that have been proven to boost a child’s IQ and help them with an overall cognitive development:
1. Practice mental math using worksheets:
Mathematical calculations allow your child to think critically, significantly impacting their brain function and improving their IQ. Mental math worksheets require children to remember numbers, formulas, and processes, which can improve their working memory, boost their focus and concentration, and improve their overall cognitive function. Ideally, every child must spend at least sometime in a day solving mathematical problems, preferably using Abacus. You can also Download Free Printable Mental Math Worksheets and give them to your child for practice.
Abacus mental math is a multi-sensory learning technique that provides kids with a visual and tactile way to learn numbers and calculations. To get deeper insights on this topic, one must read this blog about the Role Of Math In Children’s Overall Growth And Development.
What does the research say about Abacus Mental Math learning and IQ?
In a research conducted by Harvard student David Barner, titled “Representing Exact Number Visually Using Mental Abacus”, it was found that children trained in abacus have significantly higher IQs compared to those without abacus training.
In another study conducted in Sudan, children were shown images and asked to estimate the number of dots. The findings indicated that abacus users have less reliance on language-related brain areas and more on regions linked to visual memory. These children demonstrated different response patterns when solving math problems and superior performance.
2. Teach them a musical instrument:
Musicians often have better memory skills, as they need to memorize notes, rhythms, and pieces of music. Learning to play a musical instrument like guitars, keyboards, drums, and sitars is a terrific way to boost brain power as it enhances one’s auditory skills and spatial-temporal skills, which is the ability to see and manipulate objects in space and time. These skills can make one a better reader, orator, and a great problem solver. The combination of cognitive, emotional, and social skills one gains while learning a musical instrument can help increase their overall intelligence quotient.
3. Teach them a new sport:
Teaching your child a physical sport helps stimulate their brain causing them to release more endorphins. Motor skills and coordination that they learn while playing enhance their brain function and cognitive processing. It also enhances a child’s concentration and focus thus improving their performance in academic settings as well.
4. Make them play brain games and solve puzzles:
Encourage your children to play brain games and puzzles as this allows them to challenge their memory and solve problems independently. Also, let them make mistakes and find solutions as this will help them develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Brain games and quizzes stimulate the cognitive functions in a child such as memory, spatial recognition, and coordination. They also make learning fun and interactive, which helps in enhancing their mental agility. All these skills help a child build confidence and overall intelligence.
5. Introduce them to a new language:
Introduce your child to a new language as learning a new language is good for their brain. Research shows that bilingual or multilingual children have stronger literacy abilities and can perform better under pressure. They also have better attention spans and can process crucial information with ease. There are multiple studies that show a positive correlation between language learning and a child’s IQ. Also, language development through discussion is related to improved cognitive function and intelligence over time.
How can the Abacus Mental Math Program by UCMAS help increase a child’s IQ?
The Mental math program by UCMAS can be a brain-booster for your child. This afterschool program employs the abacus as a tool and arithmetic as the foundation to aid in children’s brain development. This program teaches a child to use both their hands, which activates both hemispheres of the brain. This process improves a child’s cognitive abilities such as their focus, memory, and perception, while also improving the speed and accuracy of their mental math calculations.
UCMAS also offers online Abacus classes which are conducted by their expert instructors in a virtual classroom. These Abacus Online Classes offer structured learning progression to ensure that students build a strong foundation in mental math and arithmetic concepts. UCMAS afterschool program enhances your child’s brain power and cognitive abilities, allowing them to excel academically, perform better in extracurricular activities, and gain self-confidence. Attend the UCMAS free trial class to understand how they can help your child excel in math and academics.
Want to learn more? Reach out to them on +1 877-UCMAS-90 or send them an email to [email protected] for any enquiries.